Chief Varrenti welcomed members of the Brockport Police Department and their families. He thanked the Board for allowing him a little time at the beginning of the meeting. Clerk Morelli recently administered the Oath of Office to them officially and had the new part time officers sign the book. He said he wanted to do so ceremonially tonight with the department and families present. He thanked those who provided a reception with refreshments prior to the meeting. He introduced the Village Board, Clerk, Treasurer and Department Heads as well as each member of the Brockport Police Department in attendance. Chief Varrenti introduced part time Officer T. Dawson who came on board several months ago as a transfer from the Village of Holley Police Department. It is customary to work for only one department and T. Dawson decided Brockport was where he wanted to work.
Chief Varrenti shared that D. Pietrantoni and N. Sarratori were students of his in a Criminal Justice class he teaches at SUNY College at Brockport. J. Sime was introduced to him through an acquaintance. All three took the initiative to ask what they could do to facilitate becoming a police officer. They had to put in 300 hours (Part I) of the Police Academy. Then they had to get a Police Agency to sponsor them for Part II. They successfully made it through a rigorous interview and background check process. The Village of Brockport then sponsored them at minimum wage for 200 hours (Part II). Then 160 hours (FTO) also at minimum wage. They graduated from the Police Academy March 1st at which time their hourly wage raised from minimum to $20 per the Stetson Club contract. Then, because Monroe County requirements are higher than New York State requirements, they have to put in 480 additional hours (FTO).
Chief Varrenti said government and law enforcement agencies are not inexpensive to run. However, police answer all sorts of calls for service and do their utmost to protect their communities. He said he believes wholeheartedly that they deserve every penny of their pay and more. He commended the Brockport Stetson Club. If it weren’t for the Union, they could not employ and utilize the part time officers. As management, negotiating with the union is very important. This union gives a lot back to the community. They are the only one he knows of that took a reduction in pay and implemented a 5- step pay system. These concessions helped the Village in a time of fiscal distress. Chief Varrenti said he has been in law enforcement for 33 years and that he is very proud of the Brockport Police Department as one of the finest departments in the field.
