Moslow enhanced Police Department during tenure
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Moslow

It was a week of golf, then back to work.

Chief John Moslow's retirement was brief, but he said he is looking forward to his new position as chief of security for the Eighth Judicial District. July 10 marked his last official day as chief of police for Amherst and July 17 his first day as head of security.

Moslow said he is busy learning the ins and outs of his duties as chief of security for eight counties. The position, a new one for the Western New York Judicial District, is being implemented in districts across New York State.

"My experience as chief of police for Amherst prepared me in many ways - management, leadership and dealing with personnel," Moslow said of his new position.

A week into the job he said he is very impressed with the professionalism of the 137 officers he oversees. That's something he always thought about Amherst.

Having spent 32 years as an Amherst officer in various ranks, Moslow said he will bring the standards always upheld in the Amherst Police Department to the court system.

"It was an honor and privilege to serve the Amherst and Williamsville community as chief for eight years. I have always been very proud of the department," he said.

Moslow said he will miss the officers he worked with. In addition to being co-workers, Chief John C. Askey and Detective Sgt. Michael Torrillo are also friends.

"The Amherst Police Department is one of the best around, topnotch. It's very professional, and I was proud to be a member," he said.

After three decades with Amherst, Moslow decided to apply

for the new head of security position, seeing it as an opportunity he could not pass up.

Moslow said he is learning the highly involved systems of the courts in eight Western New York counties. Since Sept. 11 the procedure has included tightened security measures, and currently Moslow is implementing 46 recommendations made by the state.

Although Moslow's day-to-day duties may have changed, as well as his headquarters, the overall mission has stayed the same - protect.

"There are similarities between police officers and court security officers. The mission is keeping our entities safe and protecting the facilities," he said.

Moslow's path to chief

In 1999, when the opportunity to be the next Amherst police chief became available, Moslow stood up to the challenge. Literally.

In studying for the chief's exam, Moslow recruited Torrillo for some fast-paced study sessions.

Reflecting on Moslow's retirement, Torrillo thought back more than eight years ago when he and the former chief would go running together. Before the time came for the test, Torrillo would ask Moslow questions and give him scenarios to prepare for the intense examination.

"It was a jog-training cram course," Torrillo said. "He also immersed himself in books and study guides."

When the scores came out, Moslow had scored first in the civil service exam and was named the next chief of police in 1999.

"He was number one by far and away," Torrillo said.

Having become best friends during their years on the force, Torrillo said Moslow had expressed interest in becoming a chief.

"I think it became apparent when he was named a captain and realized it was an achievable goal for him," he said, adding that Moslow was a true leader - knowing when to seek advice, but making the decision when it was needed.

When he left the Amherst Police Department earlier this month Moslow did so with a lot of accomplishments to his credit.

He is a graduate of the elite FBI National Academy, which in New York State is by invitation only. The three-month program is in Virginia and trains officers from around the world. Moslow was a member of the 176th class.

Torrillo estimated that in his 39 years of experience only 10 to 15 Amherst officers have been invited to train there.

Moslow has served on many professional organizations, including a board of governors member of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police and past president of the Erie County Association of Chiefs of Police. He also served on the Judges and Police Conference of Erie County, Erie County Central Police Services Board of Trustees, Erie County Community College Criminal Justice Advisory Board and the National Conference for Community and Justice.

In the eight years Moslow served as chief, the Amherst Police Department was faced with many high-profile crimes.

Torrillo said he wouldn't forget the Dr. Barnett Slepian case, especially the day that now convicted killer James Kopp was captured.

Attending a New York City Police Foundation conference, Torrillo and Moslow received calls for interviews after it was announced that Kopp had been taken into custody in France.

He remembers the two joked about going around the corner to the NBC News headquarters to do a live, nationwide broadcast.

Those days in NYC were also steps towards creating the Amherst Police Foundation, which Torrillo said is to Moslow's credit.

The foundation raises funds to purchase equipment that otherwise couldn't be purchased within the annual budget. In 2006, the foundation purchased two Segways for patrolling parks and

town events. Foundation money also purchased the command post, the trailer used in evidence collection, the Emergency Response Team vehicle and also funds scholarships.

Moslow also led the department during the arrest of Altemio Sanchez, who has pleaded guilty to being the bike path rapist, as well as the Sept. 11 attacks, subsequent terror alerts and the October storm.

"In these events, Moslow's leadership made the difference, resulting in successful outcomes for both the Town of Amherst and its police department," read a statement made by the department.

He received two Amherst Police Merit Awards in 1996 and 1997 and was named The Amherst Bee Officer of the Year in 1977. He was the 2007 recipient of the National Conference for Community and Justice Award in Law Enforcement.

Torrillo added that Moslow was always serious about his training and fitness. Together they ran three marathons, and Moslow has completed at least eight, including Boston, New York City and Chicago.

From day one

There were six officers hired to the Amherst Police Department in 1975 when Moslow came on board. They include detectives Mike Braun and Gregg Haas, who are still on the force.

Braun remembers Moslow as a "nice, low-key guy. He was an easy guy to talk to."

He added that often promotions can change someone's personality but not Moslow's.

"You could walk into his office and talk. That didn't change over the years," he said.

When they attended the academy there was no cafeteria service so the group would venture off to lunch every day. And today, after more than 30 years, the men and their wives will gather for dinners every once in a while.

The next generation

The Amherst Police Department will honor Moslow with a retirement dinner on Thursday, July 26 at Samuel's Grande Manor. (Tickets are not being sold at the door.)

When Moslow's successor, Chief John A. Askey, was named to the position on June 18, he said "Chief Moslow is an exceptionally professional man; he was an excellent chief. He worked tirelessly for the people of the town ... I couldn't have had a better boss."

Moslow said he will continue to live in Amherst with his wife, Patricia, and looks forward to seeing residents around town.

"Undoubtedly, under Chief Moslow, the professional reputation of the Amherst Police Department was not only maintained, but enhanced," the statement from the department said. "It is clear that Chief Moslow will be sorely missed. We wish him well in his future endeavors."