Salary Of Clarkstown, N.Y.'s Top Cop More Than $300,000
CLARKSTOWN, N.Y. (CBS 2) -- The salary of a Rockland County police chief is drawing a great deal of attention from members of his community.
According to a new report, Clarkstown Police Chief Peter Noonan is the highest paid municipal employee in New York State -- earning just over $301,000 last year.
"I think it's out of control. I really do," resident Vaughn Graham told CBS 2's Scott Rapoport.
"I wish I was the police chief...that's what I think," said Jennifer Henion.
"It's just a terrible, terrible shame," said Alan Albert.
While Clarkstown has been rated one of the safest towns in America, Noonan's salary dwarfs that of NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, who earns around $200,000, according to police sources.
Noonan leads a police force of around 170 officers, while Kelly commands approximately 35,000.
"I congratulate him...I'm sure it's well deserved," Kelly chuckled when asked what he thought at a press conference.
CBS 2 tried to reach out to Noonan Friday, but was told he was on vacation.
The earnings report also said Westchester County had the highest average municipal salaries in the state.
