Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, and community members, Ramapo Detective Wayne Mitchell walked out of the Ramapo Police Headquarters for the final time this past Friday, marking the end of a distinguished 25-year law enforcement career.
Detective Mitchell, an Army veteran who served during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, began his law enforcement journey in 2000 with the Rockland County Narcotics Task Force before joining the Ramapo Police Department in 2001. Over the years, he served in a variety of roles, including Adopt-a-Cop officer, Firearms Instructor, Drill Instructor at the Rockland County Police Academy, and a proud member of the Ramapo Police Honor Guard.
As a detective, Mitchell investigated major cases involving terroristic threats, hate crimes, and homicides, earning multiple commendations from within the department and from outside organizations for his exceptional police work.
Born in the parish of St. Andrews, Jamaica, Mitchell immigrated to the United States at the age of eight, settling in Yonkers, NY. After graduating from Saunders High School in 1988, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving four years with the 1st Infantry Division Mechanized, including deployment to the Persian Gulf. Following his honorable discharge in 1992, he moved to Spring Valley, NY, where he began his civilian career while also dedicating time to community service through his local church.
In 2000, Mitchell attended the Rockland County Police Academy, graduating with the prestigious Director’s Award. His early work as an undercover officer with the Rockland County Narcotics Task Force included collaborations with the New York State Police and the DEA on significant drug cases.
Throughout his 24 years with the Ramapo Police Department, Mitchell held numerous specialized assignments, including work with the Traffic Safety Unit, Rapid Deployment Training, and general criminal investigations. In September 2021, he was promoted to Detective.
Detective Mitchell’s contributions have been recognized countywide, earning awards for life-saving actions, and outstanding efforts in DWI, weapons, and narcotics enforcement.
The Town of Ramapo and the greater Rockland County community thank Detective Wayne Mitchell for his decades of faithful service and wish him a long, fulfilling retirement.
