Last day on job for Nassau's longest-serving cop
"Reserved. Most Senior N.C.P.D. Member," says the sign marking the spot, an honor bestowed on Imbornone for being on the job the longest. He retires Thursday at 70 after 48 years on the job - the longest-serving sworn cop in county police history.
"When it's your time, it's your time," Imbornone said as he walked the halls of headquarters Wednesday.
Imbornone's career as a police officer, which began at 21 in 1962, has taken him from a foot post in West Hempstead, a radio car in South Floral Park and stints analyzing accident scenes to prevent future disasters to lectures to schoolchildren on roadway safety and his latest assignment at the Property Bureau.
"After three or four years as a police officer, I thought, 'How nice it would be to retire after 20 years,' Imbornone said of his early days. "Who knew that I would be here this long?"
A former police commissioner, William Willett, served 49 years, but two of those were as the top cop, technically a civilian position.
During nearly five decades, Imbornone has seen his department change with the times: the rank "patrolman" changed to "police officer;" the requirements that new cops have college credits; taking drunken driving more seriously.
Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey said one of Imbornone's greatest contributions to the department was his service to a team of cops who analyzed accidents and strategized changes to the placement of traffic control devices.
As Imbornone grew more senior in his career and more of his academy class retired, his fellow cops have occasionally offered good-natured ribbing.
"When are you going to retire? Life is too short!" he said, recalling how they'd kid him.
He stayed at the rank of police officer his whole career, he said, because family obligations kept him from studying for promotions tests -- and anyway, he was always happy with his assignments.
He'll miss the camaraderie of being a cop.
"Just the interaction with all the members on the job, with the brotherhood," said Imbornone, who lives in Islip Terrace.
His plans for retirement? Volunteering at a nursing home ("I enjoy working with the older people, those who don't get much company"), bicycling (as an avid exerciser, he eschews the cop stereotype and stays away from doughnuts) and baby-sitting his grandchildren ("I'll keep them in my custody," he joked).
With Imbornone retired, two cops will be tied for most senior sworn officers: Det. Lt. Andrew Fal and Police Officer Thomas Henson, who were both sworn in on Oct. 25, 1968, said police spokesman Det. Sgt. Anthony Repalone.
Police officers can work until 70. After that, they need permission from the county and state, Repalone said.
Wednesday, Imbornone, who looks like Joe Torre, sat behind the counter in the wood-paneled Property Bureau room. One cop walked over to check on the status of a gun confiscated from a suspect.
About 125 officers are retiring to take advantage of a retirement incentive, and they popped in all day to return their department-issued gear.
Police IDs, check. Electronic building keys, check. Railroad pass, check. Shield, check.
"Take care of yourself, buddy," one retiree said to Imbornone. "Nice knowing ya!"
Sometime Thursday, Imbornone will stand on the other side of the counter.
"It'll be weird," he said.
After 48 years, it is Imbornone's turn - to surrender Shield No. 1629.
Posted Thursday, September 23, 2010
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