City of Cortland Police Chief Sandy Officially Retires

City of Cortland Police Chief Paul Sandy has officially retired as Chief of Police for the City of Cortland Police Department with a retirement celebration and walk-out ceremony yesterday afternoon. Chief Sandy retired from the department after first starting his career back in 1985.

Sandy worked his way through the ranks being promoted to Uniform Sergeant in 1993 and reassigned to Detective Bureau in 1995 as a member of the Cortland County Drug Task Force. In 2003, he was promoted to Detective Lieutenant and 6 years later, in 2009, promoted to Deputy Chief. Sandy became Chief of Police in 2021.

Speaking during the retirement celebration of Chief Sandy’s career were former Police Chief’s Mike Catalano and Jim Nichols. Both noted the importance of being Chief of Police for the City of Cortland and spoke highly of Paul Sandy’s dedication to the job and joked about how much he can enjoy retirement now.

Members of the New York State Chiefs Association, FBI, and the Police Benevolent Union spoke during the retirement ceremony; all recognizing Chief Sandy’s hard work and dedication to his officers and the residents of the City of Cortland.

“Most don’t know of Chief Sandy’s accomplishments as a younger officer, but are aware of his tenacious demeanor, drive to excel, and desire to get involved in all aspects of investigations to ensure justice was served. Chief Sandy was a very active patrol officer and was involved in implementing the department tactical unit as well as the bicycle patrol unit, both of which are still active today. He was a very active member of the Cortland County Drug Task Force while in the Detective Bureau and oversaw hundreds of investigations and successful prosecutions. In the latter years of his career Chief Sandy ensured officers had the equipment needed to perform their job and kept on top of the vehicle fleet and other needed tools.” The City of Cortland Police Department said in a release.

City of Cortland Fire Chief, Wayne Friedman, brought up their similarities in rising in the ranks within their respective departments and the strong relationship that was built between the police department and fire department for the City of Cortland. Chief Friedman then presented a proclamation to Chief Sandy highlighting the cooperation and commitment for the City of Cortland.

“Now therefore be it resolved, that I, Wayne Friedman, Chief of the City of Cortland, extend the City of Cortland Fire Departments gratitude and appreciation for the support and friendship given to us by you as the Chief of Police of the City of Cortland. Your contributions will forever have a positive effect on the fire department and City of Cortland.” Friedman said reading the ending of the proclamation to Chief Sandy.

Following the speech, the large group who attended the retirement celebration lined up outside the Cortland Police Department for Chief Sandys’ official walk-out from the department.