By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile retired Jan. 14 after 40 years with the department, including nearly four years as chief.
• Cecile originally joined the force in 1985 with plans to write police novels but remained in law enforcement.
• During his tenure, he served in roles from patrol officer to chief and focused on community outreach and stability.
• A successor, Mark Rusin, was sworn in following Cecile’s retirement.
SYRACUSE, NY — Joseph Cecile, who began his career with the Syracuse Police Department in 1985 intending to gather material for police novels, retired Wednesday after 40 years with the agency, including nearly four years as its police chief.
N. Scott Trimble/TNS
Cecile rose through the ranks from patrol officer to sergeant, lieutenant, deputy chief and first deputy chief before being appointed chief in 2022.
Officials said Cecile focused on community outreach and department stability during his tenure as chief, navigating evolving technology and changes in law enforcement practices over his four decades of service.
A ceremony was held Thursday in which Mark Rusin was sworn in as the new Syracuse Police chief.
Cecile said he plans to travel with his wife and pursue personal interests, including writing, following his retirement.