NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle Police Department held a Walk Out Ceremony for retiring Commissioner Joe
Commissioner Schaller has been with the New Rochelle Police Department for over four decades, and was the longest-serving member in the department’s history. He was appointed in August 1974 and was promoted to Sergeant (1979), Lieutenant (1982), Captain (1988), Deputy Police Commissioner (2015) and Commissioner (2018). Commissioner Schaller earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Science from Fordham University, a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Iona College and a Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law in 2005. During his tenure, the City of New Rochelle has been consistently noted as one of the top safest cities its size nationally.
“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,” said Commissioner Schaller. “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.”
“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. His experience has been valuable during good and also some very difficult times,” said City Manager Charles B. Strome, III.
Commissioner Schaller will be succeeded by Deputy Commissioner Robert Gazzola, who will be sworn in on Thursday July 1.
