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Hyde Park Police Chief Calls It A Career

One of Hyde Parks “finest” is calling it a career as Chief Eric Paolilli rides off into the retirement sunset following more than three decades in law enforcement.

Chief Paolilli called out of service for the last time in a 33-year career in law enforcement, the last six as chief of police in Hyde Park.

Photo Credit: Hyde Park Police Department
Hyde Park Police Chief Eric Paolilli

Hyde Park Police Chief Eric Paolilli

Photo Credit: Hyde Park Police Department

Paolilli, who has made the rounds at several Hudson Valley police agencies, officially stepped away on Aug. 17 at a ceremony held at the Hyde Park Police Department in front of friends, family, colleagues and well-wishers.

After spending the early years of his career at the Dutchess County Bureau of Fire, Town of East Fishkill police and the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, Paolilli transferred to the City of Newburgh Police in 1987. 

During his illustrious career, Paolilli earned several accolades in his rise to Chief in Newburgh, including Police Officer of the Year, and the NBPD Bronze Star. During his career in Newburgh, he commanded the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit, the K9 Unit, and the Mounted Patrol Unit.

In addition to his work behind the desk and in the field, Paolilli was also active at Ground Zero with other members of the Newburgh Police Department in the days following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Officials said that “as chief, he oversaw one of the largest drug and gang crackdowns in history of the city. Five hundred federal, state, and local officers raided dozens of sites in an undeniable victory to clean up a troubled city. “

Upon retiring from the City of Newburgh, Paolilli served as the Director of the Medical Examiners Office of Orange County, Police Chief of the Town of Marlborough Police Department, and lastly as the Chief of the Town of Hyde Park Police Department.

“The Hyde Park Police Department wishes Chief Paolilli a long and happy retirement,” police posted on Facebook. You’ve earned it.” 

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