Stories of strong bond at home and at the department
Two Brockport Police patrol cars were parked in front of 49 State Street on the afternoon of March 29. Their brilliant flashing lights were not a warning, but a welcome to the farewell reception for Brockport’s Police Chief Dan Varrenti.
The State Street address is the historic Seymour family home, having served as the village’s library downstairs and museum (continuing upstairs), and then the Brockport Village offices. Now, the first floor is the Brockport Village Court, an appropriate place to honor the retiring Chief. Establishing the Village Court is one of his legacies in his 16-years tenure with the village.
With about 150 people attending the two-hour event, the room was filled with chatter and laughter as a wide array of friends, officials, and law enforcement colleagues arrived (see side bar), all greeted warmly by Chief Varrenti.
Others there to honor the Chief included Dr. Heidi Macpherson, President of the College at Brockport, and Dr. Lesli Myers, Superintendent of the Brockport Central School District. Their presence was a reminder that two large educational institutions (plus a major hospital) are in the purview of service from the small village’s Police Department.
Lt. Mark Cuzzupoli
Opening comments were made by Lt. Mark Cuzzupoli who was about to become Brockport’s new Chief of Police on April 1. He first acknowledged Chief Varrenti’s many family members present, revealing a familiarity developed with them over the years. He first named the Chief’s wife, adding that the Chief has often told him that “Ann is the glue that kept everything running smoothly at home and was always there for him.” About daughters Christy and Katie, the Lieutenant said, “Simply stated, they are great people who are family-first types of daughters who love their dad immensely.” Naming granddaughters Lucy and Mara, he said, “I always enjoy seeing the Chief light up when he tells us stories about them.” Lt. Cuzzupoli also knew of the Chief’s bond with his parents, now departed. “I can’t help but think that his mom and dad are present today, and saying, ‘Son, we are proud of you. You have done a great job.’”
The Chief-to-be said about Chief Varrenti, “I think of the 16 years of training, wisdom, and coaching he has invested in me and am truly grateful.” Lt. Cuzzupoli vowed to “pay it forward” and “to continue the success we have accomplished as a team,” with the Chief’s major goal “to emphasize professional development and have future leaders come from within the department.”
Mayor Margay Blackman and a Proclamation
Brockport’s Mayor Blackman thanked Chief Varrenti for his 16 years of dedicated service to the Village of Brockport and for “the outstanding police department he has fostered and supervised.” She expressed confidence that Chief Cuzzupoli “would assure that Brockport remains a safe place to live, work, and visit.” She then read an official proclamation signed by her and the board of trustees. (See side bar.)
A supportive, loving family
Close human ties seemed a main theme with Chief Varrenti’s comments, whether in family relationships or mentoring officers to develop to their best professional ability. He reflected on “thirty-nine years of my life in police work and sixteen here at the Village of Brockport.”
He first thanked his family. “To my mother and father looking down from heaven today, you were and remain the best parents anyone could hope for.” He praised and thanked “my loving wife, Ann, of 36 years who never complained or made me feel guilty about interrupted family events or time on the phone, but always provided guidance and support.” He expressed loving gratitude for others of his family present: daughters Christy and Katie, sister Karen, son-in-law Davide, and granddaughters Lucy and Mara.
A unified and successful police force
Speaking of his first day on the job, “I made promises (for the future), without knowing anyone here at the department. But, it would take US to keep them. Over the 16 years, we, as a team, were not only able to achieve the promises I made, we were able to exceed them.”
He was addressing the fourteen members of the Brockport Police Department, standing respectfully in uniform and attending on their own time. Only one was missing, the newest officer who was with his wife and their baby born the day before. “Brock” the K9 was there as well, paying attention and getting attention.
Also standing with the officers were the department’s Administrative Assistant Bambie Zimmerman, and Secretary Kayla Thompson. Calling Mrs. Zimmerman to his side, Chief Varrenti said, “Sixteen years ago, I did not know anyone here. For the first month or two Bambi sat near me providing me with history, guidance, indispensable advice and friendship.” With emotion in his voice, he said he might not have lasted on the job if it were not for her.
The symbolic transition
With Lt. Cuzzupoli standing at his side, Chief Varrenti said, “I have watched you grow from Patrolman, to Sergeant, to Lieutenant, and next, to Chief of Police. You have been a close friend and right-hand man. The word NO was not in your vocabulary, even when you knew I was wrong. Your patience and your guidance have truly been a help to me. I am so grateful to you.” Removing his badge from his shirt, and handing it to the Lieutenant, the Chief said, “This is my badge today and it will be your badge tomorrow,” followed by a burst of applause from the audience.
To the audience, Chief Varrenti said, “I will never forget any of you. I will always be proud and honored to call you my friends. Thank you and God bless you all.”
Brockport’s retiring Chief of Police Dan Varrenti (right) stands with Village Mayor Margay Blackman and Lt. Mark Cuzzupoli during the Chief’s retirement reception on March 29. Lt. Cuzzupoli became Chief of Police on April 1. Photo by Dianne Hickerson
PROCLAMATION SUMMARY
March 29, 2018
Daniel P. Varrenti served as Chief of Police of the Village of Brockport Police Department since January 21, 2002.
He worked on behalf of the people of the Village of Brockport, enforcing our laws and safeguarding lives and property.
He achieved New York State Accreditation in 2004 by revamping the General Orders, policies and procedures of the Brockport Police Department.
He maintained this level of high standards by successful re-accreditation in 2009 and 2014.
He created a progressive environment within the Brockport Police Department that thrives to learn, grow and instill the concept of professional development at all levels.
He urged the full staffing of the Brockport Police Department, including K-9 “Brock,” advised Village Board members on such, and saw it come to fruition.
He urged the creation of a Brockport Village Court, advised Village Board members on such, and saw it come to fruition in January, 2015.
He played a key role in several sub-committees of the Law Enforcement Council such as radio communications, training, and the Monroe County Traffic Safety Board.
He served as an Executive Advisor for the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team.
He served as the President of the Monroe County Police Chiefs Association, having played a major role as the voice for Law Enforcement on many issues that presented themselves including working diligently to improve and affect change and reform in the New York State Parole System.
March 29, 2018 marks the occasion of his retirement;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, I, Margaret B. Blackman, by the authority vested in me as Mayor, and on behalf of the Village Board, do hereby tender this proclamation and congratulate Daniel P. Varrenti on his retirement and encourage our citizens to extend to him their best wishes.
Attending Chief Varrenti’s reception from the law enforcement community
From The College at Brockport:
Retired Police Chief Robert Kehoe.
Current Police Chief Daniel Vasile.
Gates Police Chief James VanBrederode
(And, President of the Monroe County Chief’s Association)
Greece Police Chief Patrick Phelan
(And, Chairman of the Law Enforcement Council)
From New York State Police:
Major Richard Allen
Captain Kevin Reilly
From Monroe County:
Sheriff Todd Baxter
Under Sheriff Corey Brown.
Chief Deputy Michael Fowler
STOP DWI Coordinator Peggy Duffy
Virginia Verhagen, Principal Central
Police Services Administrator
Retired Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn
From Town of Ogden:
Supervisor Gay Lenhard
Retired Police Chief Douglas Nordquist
Police Chief Christopher Mears
From Other Towns:
Brighton, Police Chief Mark Henderson East Rochester, Police Chief Steven Clancy
Irondequoit, Police Chief Richard Tantalo
