Resignation Calls 'Political Nonsense': LB Police Commissioner

LONG BEACH, NY — Long Beach Police Department Commissioner Ronald Walsh dismissed calls for his resignation and defended his actions in the removal of a Pride flag near Riptides, a business on the boardwalk.

"Nobody ever ordered the flag to be taken down. Never," Walsh told Patch.

The flag was on the boardwalk, which is public property. No flags or signage are permitted on public property, Walsh said.

He said he explained the ordinance issue to the attorney for Riptides. Walsh said the flag was quickly moved from the boardwalk to the front of the business.

However, that wasn't an acceptable answer for the LGBT Network, which called for the longtime law enforcement officer to step down from his post.

"It was very surprising to me to learn of the outrage that was construed here," Walsh said. "The political nonsense, if you will, has nothing to do with the police department."

City Council President John Bendo, who supported Walsh on his decision, was also called to resign by the LGBT Network.

"Hate has no place here on Long Island," LGBT Network President David Kilmnick said in a statement. "There must be accountability for Commissioner Walsh and for City Council President Bendo whose tacit endorsement clearly indicates that his time is up as well."

Walsh, who has more than three decades in policing, said he has no issue with the Pride flag standing tall in the breeze.

"I support, 100 percent, the flying of those flags, just not on city property," Walsh said.

He said the flag issue is "in no way, shape or form" an attack on the gay community.

Walsh wouldn't directly address any resignation talk, citing a statement the city posted on its website. The statement said Kilmnick "made false and offensive assertions about the city, its council president, and police commissioner."

Walsh said no one from his department has been in touch with the LGBT Network.