The Greenburgh Town Board unanimously voted to appoint GPD Captain Kobie Powell, pictured above, middle, to assume the critical position of Chief of Police of the Greenburgh Police Department. Chief Powell enjoys an extremely close bond and long history with Greenburgh, as he resides in Greenburgh, was raised in our Town, educated within the Greenburgh School System, and has worked tirelessly for our community for the entirety of his life.
Chief Powell’s story of “ascending through the ranks,” during his nearly 25-year tenure with the GPD, to ultimately oversee our PD, staffed by 115 sworn officers and 42 civilian members and with an annual budget of $25.5 million, reflects our new Chief’s perseverance and his dedication to Greenburgh and its residents. Chief Powell’s drive and commitment to law enforcement and personal/professional excellence has been the hallmark of his success.
Chief Powell enjoys strong educational and employment credentials. He has earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mercy College, Summa Cum Laude, and served honorably on the GPD for nearly 25 years, in nearly every line and supervisory position:
Police Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Police Lieutenant-Commanding Officer Special Investigation Unit, Police Captain-Commanding Officer Professional Standards Division.
It is important and significant to state that Chief Powell will be the first African American person chosen to serve in the role of Greenburgh Chief of Police, as he was the first to serve as a Captain within its ranks.
Chief Powell will replace former Chief, Chris McNerney who resigned to become the Police Chief of Larchmont, and Interim Chief George Longworth, former Police Chief of Dobbs Ferry and Westchester County Commissioner of Public Safety , who graciously took a leave from his position in a prestigious law firm to oversee our force until the rigorous Civil Service procedure for the hiring of a new Chief could be concluded. We are grateful to both Chiefs McNerney and Longworth for their service and commitment to the safety of our residents.
Chief Powell will assume the position on August 22, 2022. There will be a formal ceremony at our September 14, 2022 Town Board meeting
Councilwoman Gina Jackson said “This is truly an HISTORIC moment for the Town. I am extremely honored and exceedingly proud to play in this an important role in appointing the Town’s first African American Chief of Police. Captain Powell’s appointment represents the home-grown talent in Greenburgh prepared to lead one of the most important and critical Town’s operation. I know he is not only capable and qualified but IS ready to protect and serve our community with integrity.”
Councilman Francis Sheehan said “Although many will highlight Chief Powell is the first African-American Town of Greenburgh Chief of Police, which we all celebrate, Captain Powell’s life-long Greenburgh residency, his extensive Greenburgh community-focused interactions, empathy, and commitment to the highest standards of policing earned him the top spot, which has the added benefit of him serving as a role model for our youth whose goals for similar success may have previously seemed unachievable.”
Councilman Ken Jones said “As Councilman I’ve worked closely with Kobie in his capacities as Commanding Officer of Special Investigations and Professional Standards. We have also worked together on various committees. As a home grown guy- Powell has the savior faire to represent Greenburgh, and lead the GPD.”
Councilwoman Ellen Hendrickx said “I have had the honor of working with Kobie Powell. He long ago proved to me that his years of experience, dedication to community, his ability to objectively assess any given challenge, along with his empathy and leadership skills, make him the perfect choice to be our next police chief. He has earned the respect of the entire Greenburgh community and as importantly, his fellow officers. There is no doubt that he will serve the community in which he has vested his life’s work, with distinction.”
