Richard Dormer, Former Suffolk County Police Commissioner, Dies

Richard Dormer, the former Suffolk County Police commissioner who led the Gilgo Beach killings investigation, died on April 21. He was 79.

Dormer died at his Northport home surrounded by family after a three-year battle with cancer, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.

After retiring from the department as chief in 1993, Dormer returned as commissioner in January 2004 and served until 2011.

“Commissioner Dormer dedicated his life to public service, and he should be remembered for his commitment to public safety,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said. “I extend my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time to his family, including his children, two of whom are continuing his legacy as members of the Suffolk County Police Department, and to the men and women in the department who are mourning his loss.”

Part of the first 800 officers in the department's history, Dormer joined in 1963. He climbed the ranks and in 1970 was promoted to sergeant—the 425th member to achieve that rank.

In his eight-year tenure as commissioner, Dormer oversaw many high-profile cases, including the most infamous, the Gilgo Beach killings investigation. The remains of 10 bodies were found near Gilgo Beach and along Ocean Parkway.

The killings remain unsolved after years of investigating.

Suffolk County Police Chief of Department Stuart Cameron said, “During the tenure of former Commissioner Dormer, our department made great advances, including the creation of our Homeland Security Bureau, attaining New York State accreditation and incorporating modern concepts to respond to active shooter incidents.” Dormer is survived by his wife, five children and eight grandchildren.

Born in Ireland in 1940, Dormer moved to the United States at 18—a trip funded in part by a soccer club in New York.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Sheila. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Kathleen Brady and Bridget Dormer; sons, John Dormer, Michael Dormer and Richard Dormer; and eight grandchildren.