Assumes chief position on Saturday
Joseph Gebert’s dream wasn’t always to follow a career in law enforcement. He originally went to school for information technology and computer networking, but he didn’t find the idea of working in a cubicle 9 to 5 appealing. It was through his volunteer work with the Cornwall Fire Department and Cornwall Volunteer Ambulance Corps that he decided he wanted to do something professionally in emergency services. Police work was the first door that opened for him. Eighteen years into his career, Gebert now stands at the precipice of his ultimate goal — becoming the next chief of the Town of Cornwall Police Department.
He officially takes over the position on Saturday.
“It’s a bit surreal,” Gebert said on being named Chief Todd Hazard’s successor last month, “but it’s something I’ve been working towards for quite some time. It’s an honor for sure.”
The icing on the cake is being able to serve the community in which he was raised. Gebert is a 2001 graduate of Cornwall High School. He owns a home in Cornwall-on-Hudson where he and his wife are raising second and fourth graders.
“I wouldn’t want to be chief anywhere else, that’s for sure. I’ve built relationships here for over 30 years that will serve me in the position of police chief. I was a volunteer with Highland Engine and a volunteer EMT with COVAC. I already have a great working relationship with Chief [Pat] Hines, as well as Michael Bigg of New Windsor EMS. I’d love to continue to build upon that.”
Gebert first joined the Cornwall Police Department in 2005 where he served as a dispatcher. He said it had been awhile since the department had put an officer through the police academy, but he received the backing of the Town Board. Gebert had taken the civil service test and as a resident of Cornwall, the town was able to hire off the residency list. He received canvas letters from the Orange County Sheriff’s office, the Town of Chester, and other agencies, but he had aspirations of continuing his career in Cornwall.
Having no family members in law enforcement made the process of becoming a police officer difficult, but Gebert was guided by the professional relationships he developed as a dispatcher and received advice from the officers, sergeants, and chief who were working in the department at the time.
From 2006 to 2012, Gebert served as a patrolman before being promoted to sergeant in Dec. 2012, a position he’s held ever since.
Since being promoted on Jan. 26, Gebert has been shadowing outgoing Chief Hazard, learning all the administrative duties he’ll assume. He’s been meeting with each school’s principal and administrators, as well as the superintendent, the New York State police investigative team, as well as the director of Black Rock Forest. One of the biggest adjustments, however, will be working weekdays after 10 years on the overnight shift, including holidays and weekends.
As the new chief, one of Gebert’s top priorities is to deal with low staffing. He said that doesn’t necessarily mean hiring more officers, but rather getting the right people in place so there’s a more consistent schedule.
Gebert would like to hire, however, a part-time investigator, at least on a per diem basis.
“I don’t think we have the case or call volume to support a full-time investigator, but I think we could use somebody who may be retired that has the training and experience if we get a burglary or something that needs extensive follow-up.”
He’d also like to start a narcan program as soon as possible.
“I’d like to see every officer carrying narcan. It’s relatively easy to obtain and train for. Regardless of how you feel about narcotics and addiction, you can save a life with a tiny pouch of medication and we should all be carrying it.”
As a tech guy, Gebert would like to see the department take advantage of the technology available, especially when it comes to further training for officers. Having to fill an officer’s schedule isn’t easy with a limited staff, but he believes in-house training through the internet will be a benefit to the department.
Gebert also wants to increase the department’s social media presence and ensure members of the public are familiar with the officers who serve their community.
“We can’t do our job without the support of the public. We have to be partners with the public in law enforcement. Without their support we can’t do it. Community outreach is fundamental to this whole thing. I think it’s important to get out there and put a face to the department. When things do happen people know the officer who is coming to their house at 3 a.m.”
When Gebert was going through the police academy, Hazard was running the program as a sergeant with the Town of New Windsor Police Department before being hired as chief in Cornwall. The new chief has been at his mentor’s side since the beginning.
“If I can do half as good a job as he did, I’ll be in a good space,” Gebert said. “It will be a challenge to provide the community the same level of service he has for the past 16 years.”
