Colonie Police Chief Jonathan Teale is retiring after more than three decades with the department. Teale became the department’s sixth chief of police in 2015. His last day will be Thursday. A ceremonial walk-out is planned for that day at the Albany County town’s public safety building.
In a statement Tuesday, the department praised Teale's leadership.
"As Chief of Police, he has increased staffing levels to the highest they have ever been, and focused heavily on technology and equipment to allow the Department to operate at a high level," the statement says. "Chief Teale oversaw the purchase of the Department’s first armored vehicle, the Lenco BearCat, which has been used on countless occasions during highly volatile situations, ensuring the safety of both Officers and citizens. Chief Teale implemented the Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit (drones), which has been a highly successful program and has become a model for many other local police departments. Chief Teale also oversaw the upgrade of the police radio systems and records management systems, which is still in the process of being fully implemented. Chief Teale’s legacy is cemented in his dedicated efforts to increase staffing and enhance the Colonie Police department’s technological and equipment resources."
The department says a successor will be named at a later date, following a civil service promotion process.
Chief Brian Owens will retire from the nearby Troy Police Department on July 14.
