Suffolk County Police Announces New Leadership

On Tuesday, Suffolk County Police unveiled a shift in leadership, promoting veteran officers to key positions within the Long Island division.

This change is significantly restructuring Suffolk law enforcement. The new appointments include a chief of police, a detective chief, two upgraded inspectors, and a new deputy chief of patrol.

“This is a great day for the Suffolk County Police Department and for everyone in the community,” remarked a senior county official about the recent promotions.

“We have some incredibly talented, experienced individuals here. It’s important for us to promote from within whenever we can,” the official emphasized.

The leadership change begins with the promotion of William Doherty to division chief, a long-serving officer now overseeing the entire unit—making him the highest-ranked oath officer in Suffolk.

Next in line, Sean Veran has stepped into the role of detective chief, while Dave Regina has taken charge as patrol chief.

Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina expressed his support for the new leadership, calling it “the best of the best.” He also mentioned that Doherty is the ideal person to lead the division, given their shared history dating back to their NYPD days in the early ’90s.

With over three decades of experience, Doherty moves from his previous role as detective chief to this new, expansive position.

Veran described his promotion as a “lifetime dream,” committing alongside Doherty to intensify efforts against crime in the area.

The recent changes also impact the Third School District, where officer Mike Kelly is stepping in as an inspector, taking the lead to manage operations.

Notably, Kelly will make history as the first Black officer to hold an inspector position, joining a select group that oversees precincts.