The Southampton Police Department has a new chief. Former Captain James Kiernan was appointed and sworn in as the town’s top law enforcement officer during a special Town Board meeting Thursday.
Kiernan, who received a unanimous vote by the board, replaces Chief Steven Skrynecki, who died in October after a brief illness. Kiernan is the sixth police chief of the department, which was founded in 1951.
“James Kiernan has earned this position, after a distinguished career within the Southampton Town Police Department,” Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said in a press release. “The Town Council members and I have complete confidence in his ability to lead the department into the future with fairness, compassion, and integrity.”
Kiernan was hired by the town as a police officer in 1997 after having previous employment as both a social worker and a court officer, according to the press release. He quickly rose through the ranks of the department and was promoted to rank of captain and executive officer in 2020, according to the press release.
“I pledge that this department will do all that it can to ensure a safe environment for our residents, guests, visitors and businesses,” Kiernan said in his remarks to the board during his swearing in ceremony. “I appreciate your vote of confidence and support, and will do my utmost to deserve this honor.”
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