Forsythe appointed as Greece Police Department’s next chief

Greece, N.Y. – Greece has a new police chief.

Deputy Chief Drew Forsythe was appointed to lead the department at a town board meeting Thursday, according to Supervisor Bill Reilich.

He replaces Chief Patrick Phelan, who informed the town last month he will retire on Dec. 31.

Forsythe, who previously served as undersheriff in the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, currently serves as the deputy chief of operations and special services for the Greece Police Department.

Reilich said the town board wanted Phelan’s successor to be from within the department’s own ranks.

“Drew’s experience with strategic partnerships, program development, tactical deployment, program innovation and community relations will all be valuable tools that he will bring to the table as the next chief of police in the Town of Greece,” Reilich said in a statement. “The Town Board and I have the utmost confidence in his ability to serve our community and to help navigate the new challenges that are being faced throughout our country.”

Reilich also referred to the Purple Heart Medal that Forsythe received in 2017, saying it is the “model of the selfless service that we believe personifies the individual who should lead our department” in his statement.

Forsythe was a member of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office from 1991 to 2017. He has been with the Greece Police Department since.

Phelan, who’s father, Gerald, also previously served as chief, had served in the role since 2014. He will be taking on a new role as executive director for the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police.

Forsythe will become the chief effective Jan 1. His swearing in will take place later in 2021 due to COVID gathering restrictions.