FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Terrence McCauley - 212-832-4540 - terrence.mccauley@rioc.ny.gov
June 27, 2019 – Roosevelt Island, NY - Jack McManus, who has served as the Chief of Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) since 2013 will officially retire as of Sunday, June 30th. Deputy Director Kevin Brown will serve as Acting Chief until a permanent replacement is announced in the near future.
Chief McManus’s implementation of community policing is credited for not only making Roosevelt Island one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City, but for improving the department’s relationship with the community.
Despite his retirement, Chief McManus will continue to serve Roosevelt Island as an invaluable advisor on the planning and implementation of various security initiatives.
“Jack came to the Island at exactly the right time,” said Susan Rosenthal, President and CEO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. “His constant professionalism and dedication to duty not only turned around the department, but also changed the way our residents and peace officers interact with each other. The mutual respect Jack was able to foster between PSD and the community should serve as a model for other departments in similar communities across the nation. I am confident that Acting Chief Brown will continue the great work that Jack has started.”
Before coming to the Island more than three years ago, Acting Chief Brown was a thirty-two-year veteran of the New York Police Department. He held a variety of key roles within the NYPD, including serving as the commanding officer of the Operations Division during the 9/11 tragedy.
“(Kevin) has a solid commitment to the Roosevelt Island community,” outgoing Chief McManus said in a recent interview. “His main goal is to continue to keep everyone safe and help improve the quality of life on the Island.”
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About RIOC
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) was created in 1984 by the State of New York as a public benefit corporation with a mission to plan, design, develop, operate, and maintain Roosevelt Island. With a focus on innovative and environmentally friendly solutions, RIOC is committed to providing services that enhance the island's residential community. RIOC manages the two-mile long island's roads, parks, buildings, a sports facility, and public transportation, including the iconic aerial tramway. Additionally, RIOC operates a Public Safety Department that helps maintain a safe and secure environment for residents, employees, business owners, and visitors.