Town of Tuxedo Police chief retires

TUXEDO — Town of Tuxedo Police Chief Patrick W. Welsh is retiring after more than 20 years with the department due to line of duty injuries, Town Supervisor Mike Rost said in a statement.

Welsh joined the department as a part-time dispatcher in February 1994, became a town officer in 1997, was promoted to sergeant in 2001 and to chief in 2009.

Rost's statement reads:
"After his many years of service to the town, Patrick Welsh will be retiring as a result of line of duty injuries that impact his ability to continue to serve in the position of police chief.

"It is anticipated that the chief will be granted disability retirement by New York State.

"Pending his retirement," Rost said in the statement, "the town will appoint an acting chief to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of that position."

The town had placed Welsh on administrative leave in last October for reasons that were never disclosed.

In telephone interview Wednesday, Welsh thanked town official, the men and women he worked with in the department and the residents of Tuxedo.

During his interview for the dispatcher's position in 1994, Welsh recalled being asked, "What do you want to be?"

"Police chief," he replied
"It's been and honor and a privilege to serve the people of the Town of Tuxedo,” Welsh added. “The greatest honor as the chief of police. The men and women of the Town of Tuxedo Police Department are the best of the best."