Guerrera Sworn in as Next Police Chief For City of Cortland – Deputy Chief & Uniform Lieutenant Named

During last night’s City of Cortland Common Council meeting, the Common Council confirmed Mayor Scott Steve’s appointment of David Guerrera as the next Police Chief for the City of Cortland. Part of Chief Guerrera’s decisions made as Chief of Police was appointing Deputy Chief and Uniform Lieutenant for the City of Cortland Police Department.

Chief Guerrera named Cheyenne Cute as the next Deputy Chief for the City of Cortland and Ryan Riley as Uniform Lieutenant. Deputy Chief Cute has been serving as Uniform Lieutenant since 2021 as overseeing the patrol division for Cortland Police. Lieutenant Riley has been with Cortland Police for 14 years and served as Patrol Sergeant from 2018 to 2022 then transferring to the Detective Bureau in 2022.

“I am proud to announce the appointment of Lieutenant Cheyenne Cute as our new Deputy Chief. Lieutenant Cute’s leadership qualities, dedication, and exceptional ability to navigate complex challenges have made him a vital part of the department’s command staff. His problem-solving capabilities and adaptability are exactly what we need as we move forward in addressing the evolving needs of our community,” said Police Chief Guerrera.

The appointment of Guerrera as Police Chief came after a statewide search was conducted since the retirement of Chief Paul Sandy earlier this year. The overall decision to appoint Guerrera was supported by the City of Cortland Police Commission, along with the department itself and others within the Cortland Community. Guerrera first began his career in law enforcement with Cornell University Police back in 1988 as a patrol officer. He joined Cortland Police in 1993 where he has held numerous roles within the department and rose in the ranks.