Blakeman To Keep Nassau's Top Cops In Transition

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — County Executive-elect Bruce Blakeman named his picks for the county's top law enforcement positions today. He announced that he will be keeping Nassau's top cops where they are, retaining Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and Sheriff James Dzurenda.

Blakeman also announced that he will be keeping Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein as head of that department.

"Commissioner Patrick Ryder has the knowledge, expertise and leadership skills to continue leading our women and men in blue," Blakeman said in a statement.

Blakeman is making some changes to other leadership positions, though.

Anthony LaRocca, a retired captain from the Sheriff's Office, will be appointed undersheriff. Blakeman said he will focus on enforcement, an area where he has expertise.

He is also appointing Denis Monette as Commissioner of the Office of Emergency Management. Monette is a former assistant commissioner of the NCPD, and is a lecturer at the Israeli Counterterrorism Center and a member of the US Coast GUard Maritime Committee.

Rich Corbett, former Long Beach Fire Chief, is being named Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Emergency Management. Blakeman said that Corbett led Long Beach's rescue and recovery effort after Hurricane Sandy, and is respected by fire departments across the county.

Blakeman also praised Eisenstein for his leadership of the Department of Health during the pandemic.

"Coming through a horrific period of profound challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein demonstrated a calm, determined and proactive leadership of the Health Department that has convinced me that no change is necessary," said Blakeman.