Southold Town police officer Alex Chenche, a respected military veteran and former school resource officer, was promoted to the rank of sergeant Tuesday night during a ceremony at Southold Town Hall.
Chief Steve Grattan called the promotion a milestone achievement in what he described as a “remarkable journey” of service and leadership.
He recounted how Chenche immigrated from Ecuador to the U.S. as a teenager in 2000, learned English after arriving and “set his sights on contributing meaningfully to his new home.”
Motivated by the 9/11 terror attacks, Chenche enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2004 and served for eight years, rising to the rank of sergeant. After completing his military service, he entered the NYPD Police Academy in 2014 — where he was recruited by Southold police.
“Alex started the academy process all over again, this time with Suffolk Police Academy.”
Grattan said that after graduation, Chenche served in Southold’s patrol division before joining the department’s Community Response Unit in 2019.
Chenche is perhaps best known in the community for his work with students as a school resource officer.
“He built lasting relationships with both faculty and students,” Grattan said. “He became an especially influential figure among Hispanic students, serving as a role model.”
Turning to his new sergeant, the police chief said “I’m confident that you will continue to serve our community with distinction and that you will be a mentor and leader.”
After being sworn in, Chenche — flanked by his wife and young son — addressed the crowd.
“I just want to say thank you for everything. I have worked really hard from the beginning,” he said. “My message is: no matter the obstacles, if you have your mind set on a goal, continue to go for it and keep working hard.”
He thanked his family and colleagues for their support and said he was proud to be a Southold police sergeant.
Southold Town communications coordinator Sonia Spar cheered Chenche’s promotion.
“This is a commendable, deserved promotion … His professionalism, integrity and long-standing service to our community speak for themselves,” Spar said at the ceremony. “As the only Latino officer on the force, his dedication has not gone unnoticed.”
Spar said Chenche’s impact as a school resource officer was particularly meaningful.
“He showed our youth that leadership can look like them,” she said. “In times when bias can overshadow truth, it is more important than ever to recognize and uplift those who lead with honor and respect.”
Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski praised Chenche’s promotion.
“We take public safety very seriously here in Southold,” Krupski said. “And we feel very confident in your ability to keep us safe. So thank you.”
During the ceremony, which was attended by Chenche’s colleagues in the police department, Grattan also acknowledged retired Sergeant William Henske, thanking him for 24 years of service.