It is with sorrow and deep regret that County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman and Commissioner of Police Patrick J. Ryder announce the untimely death of retired Nassau County Police Department, Four Star Chief of Department, Steven E. Skrynecki.
Chief Skrynecki began his 43-year law enforcement career with the Nassau County Police Department on July 12, 1974 as a recruit and steadily rose through the ranks of Police Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant, Detective Lieutenant, Captain, Detective Captain, Deputy Inspector, Inspector, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, Chief of Detective’s and our highest-ranking uniformed officer, Chief of Department.
The Chief was also appointed to many specialized units and designations due to his experience, expertise, and dedication, which consisted of Chief Hostage Negotiator, Commanding Officer of the Narcotics Vice Bureau, Internal Affairs, Robbery Squad, and numerous Precinct Squads. He was also a decorated officer that was awarded numerous medals with the highest being the Medal of Distinguished Service for bravery.
He was also a member of many other fraternal and Law Enforcement organizations within and outside of the police department. His most beloved organization was the Nassau County Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, which he was the founder and lead drummer for the past 48 years. He was also a supporter of the Holy Name Society, Municipal Chiefs Association, and was a past graduate of the prestigious FBI Academy.
The Chief was always known for his tireless 24/7 work ethic and his ability to balance the many demands of the job and taking care of his family. Often the Chief would be the first at work and the last to leave.
Chief Skrynecki will always be known for his many leadership qualities, which contributed to his various promotions. The Chief retired from the Nassau County Police Department in 2017, after he was offered the job as Chief of the Southampton Police Department. What quickly became Nassau’s loss was Southampton’s gain, due to the Chief’s expertise in police management, his ability to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies, and the trust he gained with communities and residents along the way.
Our hearts, prayers and condolences go out to the entire Skrynecki family and their friends, the Nassau County Police Department and the Southampton Police Department during our shared time of grief.
Patrick J. Ryder
Police Commissioner
Bruce A. Blakeman
County Executive
From Nassau County Executive County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman:
“Steve Skrynecki was the consummate law enforcement professional who served Nassau County with great distinction, culminating in his leadership as Chief of Department in the Nassau County Police Department, the highest uniformed position. The region has lost a great leader and I have lost a dear friend.”
From Nassau Commissioner of Police Patrick J. Ryder:
“I have known Steve Skrynecki for over 35 years and can say that he was the best of the best in law enforcement. When I started as a cop I worked with Steve as he was a Detective in the 3rd Squad. When Steve made Sergeant, I worked for him and when he was again promoted to Detective Sergeant, I had the pleasure of working cases with him while I was in the Bureau of Special Operations. When I was promoted to Deputy Commissioner I took over Steve’s office as he had just been appointed to the Chief in Southampton Town. We go back a long way and had many conversations about how proud Steve was of his son Scott, who is a Detective Sergeant on our job and his daughter Kathryn. Steve loved playing drums in the Pipe Band and it was so special that he and his son Scott were able to play in the band together as Scott was also a drummer. This man will be sorely missed for his dedication to law enforcement and even more missed by many others, as he was so dedicated to his family and friends. My condolences go out to all.”
From Nassau County Police Department Detective Sergeant Scott Skrynecki:
“My father dedicated his life to law enforcement and serving the public at a very young age. I am overwhelmed with pride to follow the example he has set. But the center of his life and his greatest gift to us was his dedication to his family and beloved friends. We will miss him dearly.”
From Town of Southampton Supervisor Jay Schneiderman:
“Chief Skrynecki was one of the finest individuals I have ever known. He led a distinguished career in law enforcement, which included serving as our Police Chief for six years. Chief Skrynecki always made public safety his highest priority. Southampton Town is forever grateful for his service and offer our sincerest condolences to his family.”