POUGHKEEPSIE – City of Poughkeepsie Police Chief Rich Wilson and Mayor Yvonne Flowers celebrated the recent promotions of five officers. Retired Chief Tom Pape, who was chief when some of the officers were originally hired, also attended. Chief Wilson noted the promotions were earned through hard work and dedication to the Poughkeepsie community.
Mayor Flowers pointed out that she had the opportunity to work with each of the five promoted officers. “During my time on the council and continuing as mayor, I have personally witnessed the dedication these officers have to the city, and I am pleased to congratulate them.
The promotions were made internally earlier in the year, and Chief Wilson felt it was necessary to recognize their accomplishments in a public forum.
- Lt. Greg Schwarzenegger, hired in 2011, became a sergeant in 2022 before being promoted to lieutenant in May. As lieutenant, he currently serves as Watch Commander for the 8 am – 4 pm shift and oversees operations and leadership for two sergeants, three squads of 16 officers, and the public safety dispatchers. The Marine Corps veteran serves as a firearms instructor and oversees the department’s wellness/peer support program, providing guidance and assistance to all staff related to mental, physical, and organizational support.
- Sergeant David Vandermark was hired in 2016 and promoted to sergeant in March. He has been assigned to various tasks, including temporary assignments to the Neighborhood Recovery Unit (NRU) and the Detective Bureau. The Army veteran is assigned as a team leader in the Joint Poughkeepsie SWAT Team and is a certified crime scene technician, defensive tactics instructor, and reality-based training instructor.
- Sergeant Joseph Lucchesi, hired in 2018, was promoted in March. Similar to Sgt. Vandermark, Lucchesi is an Army veteran who serves on the Joint Poughkeepsie SWAT Team. Lucchesi is a certified and licensed UAV (drone) pilot and is certified in the department’s Marine Unit operations.
- Detective Kevin VanWagner began his career with the Red Hook PD before being hired by the city in 2012. His promotion to Detective 2nd Grade was official in March. Det. VanWagner holds several certifications, including Crime Scene Evidence Technician, Marine Unit Operations, and Joint Poughkeepsie SWAT. He currently serves as the PBA President and is on special assignment.
- Acting Detective Adam Aquafredda was hired in 2017 and has served as a patrol officer with temporary assignments to the NRU and Community Policing. Aquafredda is a certified Crime Scene Evidence Technician, a member of the Joint Poughkeepsie SWAT Team, the Technical Assistance Response Unit, and a member of the wellness/peer support unit. Aquafredda will serve in the “Acting Detective” role for 18 months. Upon successful completion, he will be ranked as Detective 2nd Grade.
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