Gomérez Out as Newburgh Police Commissioner

NEWBURGH – Just two weeks after Newburgh City Police Chief Anthony Geraci left his job, Police Commissioner Jose Gomérez is gone.

In a two-page memo, Gomérez wrote about “the amazing strides we’ve made in Newburgh over the last three years.”

The memo outlined “Historic Decreases in Crime; Increase in Minority Hiring; Grants and Achievements.”

Gomérez also outlined a Social worker program and intern to provide direct assistance for substance abuse and mental illness, while pointing to the addition of a full-time animal control officer to enforce city local codes and agriculture and markets law.

Gomérez was also proud of the creation, implantation and graduation of the first ever citizen police academy.

He stated, “We have accomplished this as a team of dedicated law enforcement professionals who have worked closely with the community and its leaders to achieve what some thought would not be possible in the City of Newburgh.”

Gomérez concluded the memo stating, “It is therefore with mixed feelings and some sadness that I announce my decision to resign from my position, effective June 7th.”
He went on to thank the citizens of Newburgh, the members of the council, and the city manager for the opportunity to serve. “A big thank you, especially to all the members of the Newburgh Police Department for their service to the city and their commitment to changing the narrative for this city. I will always be cheering for you,” he wrote.

In a statement, City Manager Todd Venning stated, “The City of Newburgh and Jose Gomérez have mutually agreed to provide the new Police Chief a fresh opportunity to move the Police Department into the future. The City recognizes the progress that was made during Mr. Gomérez’s tenure as Commissioner, and we thank him for his service to our community.”