News Flash

The Incorporated Village of Garden City, along with the Mayor's Office, Board of Trustees, Village Administrator and Garden City Police Department, today announced the upcoming retirement of Police Commissioner Kenneth O. Jackson, effective January 31, 2026. Commissioner Jackson concludes a distinguished 44-year career in law enforcement, more than four decades of which were devoted to serving and protecting the residents of Garden City.

Commissioner Jackson’s career began as a patrol officer with the New York City Transit Police Department before joining the Garden City Police Department in June 1985. Rising through the ranks with steadfast dedication, his service included assignments in the Patrol, Tactical, and Detective Divisions, as well as serving as an Official Training Officer. He earned promotions to Sergeant in 1991, Lieutenant in 1995, Inspector in 2005, and ultimately reached the role of Commissioner in 2012.

Beyond local service, Commissioner Jackson has made significant contributions to law enforcement leadership in the region. He is currently Executive Director of the Nassau County Municipal Police Chiefs Association, having previously served as its President. He has also served approximately 20 years as the second Vice-Chair of the Nassau County Traffic Safety Board and has been a member of the Board of Governors for the New York State Police Chiefs Association since 2017.

Throughout his tenure as Commissioner, he has led numerous advancements, including modernizing technology, enhancing security infrastructure, and upgrading personnel resources and equipment. His leadership fostered and strengthened community policing efforts, cultivating trust and collaboration among the Police Department, local schools, and the broader community. His many achievements demonstrate an unwavering commitment to public safety and community engagement, positioning the Department well for the future.

"It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this community and to work alongside the brave men and women of the Garden City Police Department," said Commissioner Jackson. "I leave knowing that the Department is in strong hands, guided by professionalism, compassion, and the shared goal of keeping our community safe. The values and principles we have exemplified will continue to guide all of us in our duties."

The Village of Garden City and its Police Department express profound gratitude for Commissioner Jackson’s dedication and contributions. While he will be greatly missed, his legacy of professionalism and commitment to safety will continue to inspire the Department and community alike.

To honor his remarkable career, a formal “walk-out” retirement ceremony will take place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at Garden City Police Department Headquarters. The public is warmly invited to attend this celebration of Commissioner Jackson’s outstanding service to the Village of Garden City.

Garden City resident Carolyn Paparella took her oath of office Monday, January 12, 2026 to become the Library Board of Trustees’ newest member.

Library Board Chair Colleen Foley did the honors. “The Library Board had the pleasure of swearing in our new trustee Carolyn Paparella. Carolyn comes to the library with vast experience in media, entertainment and broadcast news. The entire board is looking forward to working with her,” she said.

Ms. Paparella replaces longtime Trustee and former Chair Randy Colahan, who has chosen not to seek another term.

Trustee Paparella is an award-winning host, reporter and producer of media content, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in telecommunications at the University of Florida School of Journalism. She and her husband moved to the Village a year and a half ago. As a new mom, she looks forward to spending time at the Library with her young son, as she once did during her early childhood in Winter Park, Florida.

“I would be so pleased to take an active role in shaping an experience that might be similar to the one I enjoyed as a child many years ago,” she said. “My trips to the library cemented a lifelong belief in the importance of literature, and the essential need for community resources that are freely available to all.”

Trustee Paparella joins fellow Library Board members Colleen Foley, chair; Mary Maguire, vice chair; and Linda Ryan and Paul O’Grady. She will serve on the Policy and Community Relations Committees.

A reminder for those with natural Christmas trees or wreaths that need to be disposed of. Please place them at the curb on your regularly scheduled recycling collection day. Public Works began collection January 5, 2026 starting in the West, and will continue moving through the Village following the recycling schedule.

The trees and/or wreaths will be processed at the Village Yard to be used as mulch for trees and shrubs. To assist with the process, kindly ensure all tree stands, metal wire, electric lights and plastic bags are removed from the trees. Please dispose of your tree only on your scheduled recycling collection day.