Suffolk Police, Sheriff Get $2M Fleet Boost

Thirty new law-enforcement vehicles will be added to Suffolk County’s police and sheriff’s fleets through more than $2 million in federal funding.

The Suffolk County Police Department will receive $825,000 to purchase 15 vehicles, while the Sheriff’s Office will use a $1.2 million allocation to acquire another 15.

The funding comes as county law-enforcement agencies work to replace aging vehicles and ensure officers and deputies have reliable equipment while responding to emergencies, conducting patrols and protecting residents.

Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina described the department’s current vehicle fleet as “severely depleted” and said the funding will make a substantial difference.

“That’s going to help the men and women of the Suffolk County Police Department not only be safer but keep the people of Suffolk County safer as well,” Catalina said.

Suffolk County Undersheriff John Becker said vehicles are among the most important tools used by deputy sheriffs in their daily duties.

“Our personnel need safe and reliable vehicles to do their jobs effectively,” Becker said.

The funding was formally announced during an Aug. 13 ceremony at Suffolk County Police Department headquarters in Yaphank. County Executive Ed Romaine joined police officers, sheriff’s deputies and other officials for the presentation.

“This strengthens our effort to keep everyone in Suffolk County as safe as possible,” Romaine said.

The fleet upgrades will benefit communities throughout Suffolk, including Brookhaven Town, where county police and sheriff’s deputies patrol major roadways, respond to emergencies and carry out enforcement operations.

Rep. Nick LaLota, a Rocky Point Republican, secured the $2.025 million through the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process and presented the funding to county officials.

The allocations are part of $27.1 million in federal community-project funding secured for 15 initiatives across New York’s First Congressional District, which includes much of northern and eastern Brookhaven Town.