Brockport welcomes new police chief

Monday will be the first day on a new beat for Brockport's new police chief, Daniel P. Varrenti.

Varrenti, 44, has been in law enforcement for the past 24 years. "I've served in all capacities of law enforcement," he said.

From being with the road patrol, criminal investigation unit, internal investigations, administration and narcotics units, Varrenti said he definitely brings diversity to his new post.

"I think what I bring to Brockport is a brand new perspective," he said. "They have an excellent department and I'm looking forward to working there for many years."

Varrenti replaces former police chief Gary Zimmer who retired earlier this year. His retirement followed a controversial investigation of the department by the Monroe County Sheriff's office.

"I think Brockport has been the punching bag of negative media coverage … some of it warranted, some of it not," he said. "I look at it as this was yesterday's newspaper but now we have a brand new edition coming out."

Reviewing and perhaps rewriting the standards and rules and regulations for the office will be one of the goals of the new administration, he said. He also wants to move to get the department accredited. Gaining accreditation, he said, lends a sense of professionalism to the department.

"I don't plan on coming in and making sweeping changes," he said.

Varrenti said he doesn't come to Brockport with any preconceived notions or baggage.

"I'm coming here with new ideas and with ways to revitalize the old ideas," he said. "I expect everyone to give 100 percent … we are in law enforcement and we are entrusted with a very important job."

Varrenti said the department works for the community and is here to help protect them.

"This is a very exciting time in Brockport," Mayor Josephine Matela said. "It signals a new beginning in law enforcement."

Matela said she is looking forward to working with Chief Varrenti and anticipates his involvement in the community.

Varrenti holds both an associate's and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice as well as a master's degree in public administration. He has also attended classes at the FBI.

Varrenti lives in Greece with his wife and two children.

He will be sworn in at a ceremony 3 p.m. on Friday, January 25 at Village Hall.