Brandon Rola Appointed Newburgh Chief of Police

NEWBURGH – Newburgh City Manager Todd Venning announces his appointment of Lieutenant Brandon Rola to serve as Chief of Police for the City of Newburgh. Lieutenant Rola is a decorated sixteen-year veteran member of the City of Newburgh Police Department, rising through the ranks since beginning his policing career with CNPD in 2008. Lieutenant Rola took command on Friday, May 3rd at 4pm.

City Manager Todd Venning said, “Chief Brandon Rola represents the very best of the City of Newburgh Police Department: an officer who rose through the ranks with unimpeachable integrity, selfless acts of heroism, an unwavering commitment to our community, and innate leadership qualities that have garnered the respect of his fellow police officers and City staff. City residents can take immense pride that their police department has developed an exceptional homegrown leader to become their Chief of Police.”

Chief Rola began his sixteen-year career with the City of Newburgh Police Department in 2008 as a patrol officer, following his graduation from Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management. Chief Rola immediately pursued training and leadership opportunities, quickly becoming an instructor at the Orange County Police Academy and In-Service Instructor for the CNPD, and eventually becoming a NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services Certified Instructor. During this time, Chief Rola received national attention for heroically finding and rescuing two young brothers in the City of Newburgh who were trapped for hours under a snow embankment. Chief Rola was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 2016, where he utilized his FBI training to lead several specialized tactical units and supervised the City’s Traffic Safety and STOP DWI programs. Chief Rola was promoted to Lieutenant in 2020 and has since served as CNPD’s Operations Commander. In 2022, Chief Rola rescued a drowning man in Downing Park. Chief Rola is one of CNPD’s most decorated members, having received nearly thirty merit service awards, including a Bronze Star. Chief Rola has also served as the President of the Police Superior Officers Association.

Commissioner José A. Gomérez said, “Throughout my tenure as Police Commissioner, Brandon Rola has consistently distinguished himself as one of CNPD’s most talented and respected police officers, always going above and beyond with unmatched professionalism. Chief Rola has led CNPD’s Operational Command with thoughtfulness and a community-centered approach, and his mentorship of our recruits and new officers has built a strong positive culture within CNPD. I congratulate Chief Rola on his well-earned promotion, and I look forward to working with him.”

Chief Rola was introduced to the public in his new role at a press conference on Monday, May 6th. Mayor Harvey will swear in Chief Rola at the Monday, May 13th City Council Meeting.

Mayor Torrance R. Harvey said, “Over the course of his exemplary sixteen-year career with the City of Newburgh Police Department, Brandon Rola has served our community’s residents and business owners with respect and unparalleled operational expertise. Chief Rola’s promotion to Chief of Police is a strong testament to the City’s ability to promote from within and maintain continuity of leadership. I offer my sincerest congratulations to Chief Rola and his family and I commend City Manager Todd Venning for this outstanding appointment.”