Westchester Reporter

Westchester County Executive George Latimer has announced the appointment of Terrance Raynor as the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, following his service as the Acting Commissioner, and James M. Luciano as Chief of Department, the highest uniform position in the department. The appointments come as part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Westchester County residents.

Latimer stated: “Once again, it is clear that our dedication to combatting crime in Westchester County remains steadfast – and it could not be more evident than through the appointments of Terrance and James. The Westchester County Department of Public Safety is funded at the highest level ever because of our Administration’s commitment to keeping this County safe for us all.”

Raynor expressed his gratitude: “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the Police Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety. I am committed to working closely with the men and women of this Department, community stakeholders and the law enforcement community as a whole, to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.”

Raynor brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to community-oriented law enforcement and leadership. Beginning his career as a City of Mount Vernon Police Officer in 1984, he has held various leadership roles including Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Chief, and Commissioner. Raynor has received training from notable institutions such as the New York City Police Department, FBI, and Drug Enforcement Administration. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 201st National Academy. Since joining the Westchester County Department of Public Safety in 2018, Raynor has proven himself an invaluable asset.

Luciano commented on his new role: “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chief of Department. I look forward to working alongside Commissioner Raynor and the dedicated men and women of the Department to uphold public safety and build stronger, safer communities.”

With over 35 years in law enforcement with the Department of Public Safety, Luciano brings extensive experience in management, supervision, and critical incident response. He holds long-established contacts with Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies which aid in policing efforts. Luciano holds a BA degree and is a graduate of the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Program. His specialized training includes areas such as Special Operations, Investigations, Incident Management, and Community Relations.

The Westchester County Department of Public Safety (DPS), also known as the Westchester County Police Department, is responsible for protecting county parkways and properties including parks systems and key facilities like Westchester County Airport. It conducts municipal patrol operations in Mount Kisco and Cortlandt while providing School Resource Officers for four schools in northern parts of Westchester County. The DPS serves local law enforcement particularly through its Forensic Investigation Unit and Special Operations Division which includes units like Aviation Unit, Hazardous Devices Unit, Marine Unit Canine Unit Special Response Team among others.

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