Once a cop, always a cop

MONROE — Like many young boys, Dominic Giudice had a dream of becoming a cop.

To become chief, well, that was the icing on the cake.

Now, though, after nearly four decades in law enforcement and more than 30 years with the Monroe Village Police Department, the chief says it’s time to relax.

His last day on the job is Jan. 29. Until a new chief is chosen, Lt. Alex Melchiorre will be the acting chief.

He says he has no immediate plans for retirement. During an interview earlier this week, Giudice acknowledged it was hard clearing out his desk. The police station, after all, was his second home.

Work
As a kid growing up in Hoboken, N.J., he got paid $5 for delivering Wonder Bread on Saturdays at the local deli. He was a also a newspaper carrier.

When the family moved to Monroe, and Guidice was old enough, he would get his dream job.

He spent one year in the Washingtonville Police Department and then three years in Blooming Grove. In 1981 he became an officer in his hometown of Monroe.

Nine years later in 1990, he would succeed Chief Andrew Margillo.

Long view
How has the village changed?

“Route 17M wasn’t built up the way it is now,” the chief recalled. “A lot more people travel through the village.”

The kinds of crimes and arrests also have change from bar fights and drunk driving to drug arrests, ID theft and forged prescription.

Guidice began his Monroe Police career in the old Stage Road headquarters, which was originally the Monroe Post Office.

Fourteen years ago, the village built the modern, up-to-date building that houses the present 18 officers.

“We have a good group - hardly ever get sued. We’re lucky to have the people we have in this department,” Guidice said.

The Cheese Festival and the Fourth of July Fireworks celebrations are two relaxed settings that the chief enjoyed - being out in the crowd.

“ It is a time when residents feel they can communicate with the police department in an informal session,” he said.

Memories - good and not so good

Giudice said hardest incident he had to deal with was the school bus accident 22 years ago on Orange Turnpike- in which two children died and many were injured

The other was 911.
“There was a call put out for all hands,” the chief said. “Six of us stayed in the city directing traffic. It was a very surreal feeling atmosphere in New York City”

He said he was grateful to the village boards he has worked with over the years. Because of them, he said he has been able to participate in police chief associations on all levels, county and the Mid-Hudson Chiefs and presently, the New York State Association of Chiefs.

While Guidice and his family will be spending time at a vacation home they built in South Carolina, he said remains proud of his hometown. “Monroe is still a good place to live, good schools for the kids and places to shop.”

“I always wanted to be a cop,” Guidice proudly said.

The chief will always be a cop.

By Claudia Wysocki