PLATTSBURGH — City of Plattsburgh Police Chief Peter Mitchell has left the position, opting to retire.
Mitchell submitted his paperwork for retirement to the city this week with his last official day being Sept. 20.
Monday, Sept. 9 will mark Mitchell’s 25th year of service with the department, making him the longest standing member of the department.
“He will be missed both professionally and personally,” Mayor Chris Rosenquest said.
“In addition to his exemplary blemish-free service record, he has faced the challenges of this department with grace, integrity, and leadership.”
NAMED CHIEF IN 2024
Mitchell was named chief at the beginning of 2024. He replaced Bud York, the former Glens Falls police chief who was filling in as the head of the department temporarily until the city sorted out who would be the next chief.
“Peter understood that would mean digging in and providing a style of leadership that was based on trust and commitment,” Rosenquest said.
Rosenquest said with Mitchell’s departure, the department will fall under the command of the highest ranking officer, Lt. Josh Pond.
“In coordination with my office, Lt. Pond will work to keep the PD moving forward. But unfortunately that means that there will be some projects that will be delayed until we fill in some of the leadership gaps in the department,” Rosenquest said.
THREE LIEUTENANTS
The mayor, who is not running for re-election and will leave office on Dec. 31, said he will look to install three active lieutenants, each in command of the Administration, Patrol, and Detective divisions.
“I will review all options. If any path forward requires Common Council approval, I will work to collaborate with those members who wish to work together in a constructive and professional manner,” Rosenquest said.
MAYORAL CANDIDATES
Rosenquest said that since any decision on a replacement for Mitchell will affect the next administration, he has reached out to both mayoral candidates, Republican Don Kasprzak and Democrat Wendell Hughes to discuss the situation and what could happen next.
“Specifically, the goal is to make them aware of my approach and concerns moving forward to filling this vacancy as well as incorporate their concerns and suggestions where it makes sense,” he said.
INTEGRAL ROLE
Rosenquest said that allowing the chief position to remain vacant is untenable.
“It needs to be filled with a trusted and qualified candidate,” he said.
“The role of the City of Plattsburgh Police is integral to the fabric of our community’s health and wellbeing. Much like Chief Mitchell, the next chief will be someone who has extensive experience managing members of a police department who also commands the respect of the department membership.”
Rosenquest said the leadership question should not affect policing in the community.
“I’m concerned about the department, but not so much the protection of the city,” he said.
“I think our city police do their job. They want to be left out of the political fray and I think last week we saw the demonstration of their expertise and skill. That doesn’t change.”
This past week, less than 24 hours after a fatal shooting on Cornelia Street, City Police, in conjunction with other local law enforcement agencies, arrested two people in connection with the shooting.
Rosenquest said the city is beholden to all Civil Service requirements in filling the position and it will be a challenge to fill Mitchell’s spot quickly.
“The last thing that I want to do is leave this gap,” he said mentioning that he had to deal with finding a chief early on in his administration in 2021.
“This is not something that I want to pass on.”