New York State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen has announced he will resign after media reports that he improperly shielded an officer with whom he had a “close personal relationship” from human resources complaints.
“Today I accepted the resignation of State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen. I thank him for his years of public service. First Deputy Chief Stephen Nigrelli will serve as interim chief as we conduct a thorough search for a chief who can lead this department in its important work,” Hochul said in a statement.
Bruen, who was appointed to the post by a disgraced former governor. Andrew Cuomo in June 2021 will officially step down from office on Oct. 19, according to state police.
The announcement, first reported Friday by the Albany Times Union, comes days after Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed to the US newspaper that her administration is investigating the matter.
“This is a guy I inherited,” Hochul told the Times Union.
The Democratic governor’s office had quietly put Bruen under the microscope after his former human resources director, MaryEllen Tedesco, 60, resigned last month amid another state investigation — into her treatment of a wheelchair-bound prospective employee. sources told The Post.
New York State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen has announced his resignation. Hans Pennink
Bruen, 59, has reportedly refused to act on multiple reports of wrongdoing regarding Tedesco.
Hochul had planned to fire Cuomo’s appointees — but not until after the Nov. 8 election, in which she faces Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin — and replace him with First Deputy Governor Stephen Nigrelli.
“She doesn’t need another scandal before the election,” an Albany source said of Hochul’s motives.
Nigrelli is a longtime aide to the governor and her husband, Bill Hochul, who served as the U.S. attorney for Western New York under President Barack Obama.
“I’d like to take a moment to congratulate someone I’ve known for a long time, someone I respect, and thank Governor Kathy Hochul for your leadership over the years,” Nigrelli said at an Aug. 31 press conference.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office was investigating Kevin Bruen’s internal complaints. Hans Pennink
“For your leadership on this issue, Governor — your laser focus on eradicating guns, illegal guns and gun crime in our communities. We have assessed this in the state police,” he said.
Hochul has faced mounting criticism in recent weeks over alleged pay-to-play schemes involving campaign donors — including one that struck a $637 million no-bid deal with the state for rapid COVID-19 tests.
“She doesn’t need another scandal before the election,” an Albany source told The Post this week of Bruen.
The results of the investigation are unlikely to be made public before the Nov. 8 election against Republican candidate Lee Zeldin of Long Island.
A recent report by state Inspector General Lucy Lang attacked the state police for mishandling an internal disciplinary case involving a state trooper who dated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s daughter while he remained in office.
The union representing the rank-and-file soldiers did offer sweet words for Bruen as he entered his final days as chief.
“Superintendent Bruen helped the New York State Police move forward during difficult times, including social unrest and the deployment of troopers to help the men, women and children of Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Fiona. We wish Superintendent Bruen well in his future endeavors,” the New York State Troopers PBA said in a statement Friday.
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