ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — Two people want to lead the Ithaca Police Department. 

John Poleway retired as police chief in Westchester County. He tells WHCU that he’s ready to get back to work. 

“Retirement is great but only for a while,” Poleway said. “My personality dictates that I need to continue engaging myself and be a part of activities that I feel I’m contributing to in a positive way.”

Thomas Kelly serves now as a police lieutenant in Schenectady. 

“I see police chief in Ithaca as a fantastic opportunity,” Kelly told WHCU. “They’re on the verge of doing great things in reimagining policing.”

The pair, who were chosen by a search committee following a nationwide search, spoke at a forum Thursday evening at GIAC.

The Ithaca Police Department has had two acting chiefs since Dennis Nayor’s retirement in April 2021.