The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office held its annual Awards & Promotions Ceremony this week, recognizing members for exceptional professionalism, bravery, and dedication throughout 2024. The event highlighted outstanding police work, lifesaving actions, major departmental promotions, and special tributes to retiring and fallen K9 partners.
Several officers received the Lieutenant Robert Moorefield Excellent Police Duty Award for exemplary service. Sergeant Angelo Bragaglia and K9 Mac were honored for their role in an armed robbery investigation in the Village of Haverstraw, where K9 Mac successfully located a book bag containing a loaded Glock handgun and a ski mask. Officer Joe Pacione and Detective Stephan Kobyleckyj were recognized for safely de-escalating a dangerous incident involving a suicidal female armed with scissors. Officer Vincenzo Rotundo was commended after a DWI stop led to the arrest of an impaired driver and the discovery of a stolen, loaded .38 caliber handgun and illegal narcotics. Officer Joseph Selchick received an award for a DWI investigation that resulted in the recovery of an illegal 9mm handgun. Officers Brian Neary and Joseph Modica, along with K9 Galli, were also honored for tracking down and apprehending a fleeing suspect in a wooded area while assisting Stony Point Police.
The ceremony also highlighted a series of promotions across the Sheriff’s Office. Patrol Lieutenant Omar Munoz was elevated to Patrol Captain. Detective Sergeant Christopher Finch and Patrol Sergeant Thomas Hendrickson were promoted to Patrol Lieutenant and Special Ops Lieutenant, respectively. New Patrol Sergeants include James Russell, Kristopher Antonacci, Joseph Mercurio, Gregg Soriano, Daniel Begbie, Sean Driscoll, and Eric Thayer. Additionally, Patrol Sergeants Matt Myers and Kevin Golden were promoted to Detective Sergeant, while Officers Conor McMorrow-Kwalwasser and Ryan Blair were promoted to Detective.
Special recognition was given to several K9 units for their service to the department and the community. Sgt. Joseph Mercurio’s K9 partner, Ott, who served as a Patrol and Explosives K9, tragically passed away in 2024 due to an unexpected illness. Det. Sgt. Kevin Golden’s K9 Lennon, a Patrol and Narcotics K9, retired this year. Det. Sgt. Matthew Myers’ K9 Holder, the department’s first Bloodhound and a dedicated tracking K9, was honored following his retirement in 2023.
The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office congratulated all award recipients, promoted members, and honored K9 units for their professionalism and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Rockland County.
