Hail to the Chiefs

Chief DelBene is sworn in by Chief Matturro, while DelBene's family looks on.Scarsdale’s finest, along with members of the fire department, school board, the village board, former Mayors, government officials, retired officers and captains and officers from across the county, convened at Scarsdale Library on Thursday January 30th, 2025 for the transfer of power from Police Chief Andrew A. Matturro to Chief Steven DelBene. The parking lot overflowed and the Scott Room was standing room only as the community convened to honor the departing chief and to congratulate Chief DelBene on his promotion to lead the department. Matturro has served in Scarsdale for the past 25 years, the last ten years as Chief of Police. He assumed the top job in a similar ceremony in 2015 when Chief Brogan retired.

The ceremony was officiated by Lieutenant Eric LoGiudice who gave a lengthy opening, individually acknowledging many in the room.

After an invocation by Reverend Kelly Rogers, Chief Matturro gave his farewell remarks, again thanking many in the room along with the mentors who helped him along the way. He noted that he started his career in 1984, which is the same year that Steve DelBene was born, and as January 30 was the day, he wished DelBene a happy birthday. Matturro said that he had worked for four village managers and five mayors and only taken one sick day in 40 years. As both he and DelBene played football in high school, he left with a quote from Vince Lombardi who said, “I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.”Chiefs DelBene and Matturro

Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest said it was a “bittersweet moment in the history of the Police Department today, as we formally bid farewell to Chief Andrew Matturro as he completes an extraordinary career of service, and we welcome Lieutenant Stephen DelBene as he steps into his new role as Chief of Police.”

He said that he and Matturro had “developed a relationship built on candor, mutual respect and a shared commitment to this community.” He praised Matturro for prioritizing “the safety and well-being of the people of Scarsdale and the selfless men and women who protect it.” He continued, “Your leadership has been defined by professionalism, compassion and an unwavering dedication to ensuring that our Police Department is one of the finest, not only in the region but the country. Under your leadership, both the village board and I have always felt absolute confidence that our community was safe, well protected and in the best hands. Beyond that, I have learned a great deal from you, your deep institutional knowledge, your steady handed moments of challenge, your warmth and compassion and yes, your occasional dry humor, have all been part of what has made working with you such an honor and a privilege. You are one of a kind, and you will certainly be missed on behalf of this village, the many village boards and mayors you have faithfully served under as police chief, and of course, on a personal note, I extend my deepest gratitude thank you for your unwavering service, your steadfast guidance and your valued friendship.”

The Scarsdale Color GuardTo DelBene he said, “This is a day of well-earned recognition for you and also your family. your support system, your years of service, leadership and forward-thinking approach to law enforcement have brought you to this moment. From Police Officer to Sergeant to Lieutenant, you have taken on each new challenge with skill, professionalism and a deep commitment to both your fellow officers and the community you serve. Your steady leadership, the deep respect you command within the department, your open-minded approach and steadfast professionalism are just a few of the many reasons the village board was proud to entrust you with the role of Police Chief.”

He concluded, “As we mark this important transition, I want to acknowledge the mix of emotions that comes with the change in leadership. We bid farewell to a chief who has set an exceptional standard, and we embrace a new chief who is more than prepared to the rise to rise to the challenges ahead. Chief Matturro, we are deeply grateful for your service and legacy and Chief DelBene, yes, it's time to get used to that title. Congratulations. We look forward to this chapter and the journey ahead with you at the helm.”

Village Manager Alex Marshall came next. She said, “I’m not just saying this because he brings fresh cookies to Village Hall. Chief Matturro has put an amazing 36 years into the Scarsdale Police Department, and Scarsdale is a better place because of him, although he will be deeply missed.”Mayor Justin Arest and Village Manager Alex Marshall

About Chief DelBene she said, “The first time I met Steven DelBene was at a ceremony recognizing his promotion to Lieutenant. I could tell from his excitement and the way he spoke about the department that this is someone who is passionate about policing and cares deeply about the Scarsdale community…. Over these past two years, I've had the pleasure of working with him on everything from traffic safety issues to emergency communications to community event planning. He's handled large scale projects, rolling out critical technology improvements for our Police Department, and continues to explore new tools to make the department even better. He doesn't shy away from any problem, even small ones, like fixing a parking meter, which is actually very hard to do if you've seen one of our old meters.”

Following the march of the Color Guard and his oath of office, DelBene took the mic. After thanking the Village for entrusting him with the job, he turned to his family. Choking back tears he thanked his wife for giving up her career in order to accommodate his. He said, “My success is your success.” Turning to his two young children he said, “Being a dad is the greatest job I will ever hold. You two are my heart.” He thanked Chief Matturro for taking a chance on a 21 year-old kid when he hired him.

Former Scarsdale Mayors Marc Samwick and Jonathan MarkHe called the Police Officers “the backbone of our Village,” and noted that though none of them live here or have any personal connection to Scarsdale they are committed to making it safer every day. He thanked them for their service, pride and dedication. He said, “Scarsdale’s extraordinary values are what makes it so special, and said, “I am honored and excited to serve as your Chief.”

School Superintendent Andrew Patrick, School Board President Suzie Hahn and School Board Member Ron Schulhof