After more than two decades of service, City of Peekskill Police Chief Leo Dylewski has announced his retirement from the Peekskill Police Department.
City Manager Matthew Alexander told the Peekskill Herald on Tuesday, Nov. 18, that he and the city learned about the retirement on Monday, Nov. 17. His effective retirement date is targeted for mid-December.
“We really value his 20 years with the City of Peekskill,” Alexander said over the phone. “He’s been an incredible asset in the police department, has really done a good job of community policing and working.”
When asked on Tuesday for comment about his retirement, Chief of Police Dylewski said he would speak to the Herald on Wednesday morning.
Dylewski sent out an email to department personnel around 2 p.m. on Nov. 18, that said, “I was waiting until everything was final but was just informed the Peekskill Herald is going to run a story and wanted everyone to hear it from me first. After 41 years in government, 26 as a cop, and 25 with Peekskill, I have decided to retire by the end of the year.”
Dylewski joined the police force in 2000. He was appointed chief of police in September 2021. He has carried several titles, including instructor development officer, general topics instructor, patrol sergeant, and patrol lieutenant watch commander.
A press release from the City of Peekskill at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 18 states that throughout his career Dylewski has been instrumental in advancing community-focused policing initiatives. It adds that under his leadership, the department introduced the downtown walking patrol, established the Quality-of-Life Committee, and created a full-time Community Policing Unit.
The city’s release says he implemented a full-time walking post detail and enhanced vehicle and traffic enforcement to improve roadway safety throughout the city. It says that, as one of the city’s key leaders, Chief Dylewski helped guide and expand youth engagement and prevention efforts, including continuing important programs such as G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) and D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), ensuring that Peekskill’s young people receive positive support and education.
“Chief Dylewski has served the people of Peekskill with integrity, compassion and unwavering dedication,” City of Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie stated. “His commitment to building trust, strengthening community relationships, and ensuring the safety of every resident has left an indelible mark on our city. We are truly grateful for his years of service and wish him the very best as he embarks on this next chapter.”
“One of the things that we’re most proud of is the walking patrol that we have on the weekends,” Alexander told the Herald. “And how well that’s worked, to have people who have grown up in the community who are police officers walking the downtown; we think that’s been good.”
He continued, “That will be one of the legacies of Chief Dylewski.”
Alexander told the Herald that the city has not yet filled the chief of police position and is still digesting the retirement announcement.
Some observers have speculated that Lt. Adam Renwick, who was present at Monday night’s Common Council meeting, attired in a suit beside Dylewski, is being considered for the role. Both Chief Dylewski and Renwick stayed behind in the chamber at City Hall as members of the Common Council exited to an executive meeting.
Renwick, alongside fellow department detectives, were honored in May with a Citation of Commendable Merit for their investigation and arrest of an adult male who had sexually abused a minor. As part of their investigation, they communicated with the suspect online and took him into custody after he arrived for what he thought was a meeting with the youth, the county said.
“The City of Peekskill extends its heartfelt appreciation to Chief Dylewski for his devoted service, courageous leadership, and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of residents,” the city concluded in its press release. “We congratulate him on his retirement and wish him every success in his future endeavors.”
