New Rochelle Will Get New Police Commissioner

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — There are changes coming at the top of the New Rochelle Police Department.

City Manager Charles Strome announced the retirement of Police Commissioner Joseph Schaller today. Schaller will step down on June 30. Deputy Commissioner Robert Gazzola will take the reins as commissioner on July 1.

“We were fortunate to have had such a dedicated professional as Joe Schaller in our police department for so many years, especially in senior leadership and finally as Commissioner,” Strome said in a statement announcing the changing of the guard. “His experience has been valuable during good and also some very difficult times. I am pleased that Rob Gazzola will follow as Commissioner, bringing his expertise to the position and ensuring a seamless transition for the department.”

Schaller has been a stalwart of the New Rochelle Police Department for more than four decades. He holds the record as the longest-serving member in the department’s history. His career with NRPD started in August 1974. He was named Deputy Commissioner in 2015 and has been commissioner since 2018.

“I would like to thank the people and the City of New Rochelle for allowing me to serve as a member of the New Rochelle Police Department for the past forty-seven years, and as the Department’s Police Commissioner for the past three and half," Schaller said, announcing his pending retirement. “I would also particularly like to thank my command staff and the men and women of the New Rochelle Police Department, past and present, who have served with me and supported me; and, who are responsible for any success I may have had in my efforts in the police service over the years.”

Deputy Commissioner Robert Gazzola joined the department in 1986. He has served as Deputy Police Commissioner since 2018.

“It has been an honor working alongside Commissioner Schaller,” Gazzola said. “He has been a true gentleman and great leader during his long tenure, and has earned the respect of all who were fortunate enough to have worked with him. I look forward to continuing the work Commissioner Schaller has started, as well as continuing to serve the City with the men and women of the New Rochelle Police Department.”