NEW YORK (WKBW) — New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced she has accepted the resignation of New York State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen.
Hochul also announced Western New York native and First Deputy Superintendent Steven Nigrelli will serve as Acting Superintendent on an interim basis. Bruen's resignation is effective October 19.
According to the state police website, Bruen was nominated by former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and confirmed by the New York State Senate as the 17th Superintendent of NYSP in June 2021. He spent more than 20 years with the state police, serving in various roles before he became superintendent. Before joining the state police he served as Deputy Commissioner and Counsel of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
According to a report by the Albany Times Union, the resignation comes amid an investigation by the governor's office into alleged misconduct. The 7 News I-Team has been conducting its own investigation into New York State police disciplinary records for months.
Nigrelli, a 32-year veteran of the state police, in his role as First Deputy Superintendent, assists the Superintendent with his official functions and serves as the Superintendent in his absence. He will now serve as Acting Superintendent on an interim basis as the search for a Superintendent begins. Nigrelli holds bachelor's degrees in business studies and economics from SUNY Buffalo State College.
Gov. Hochul issued the following statement:
"Today I accepted the resignation of State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen. I thank him for his years of public service. First Deputy Superintendent Steven Nigrelli will serve as Acting Superintendent on an interim basis, as we conduct a thorough search for a Superintendent who can lead this department in its important work. The State Police have made tremendous progress in combating gun violence and keeping New Yorkers safe, and that must continue."
