Former Elmira police chief Anthony Alvernaz says he did not resign; city mum on departure

Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette
·2 min read
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Former Police Chief Anthony Alvernaz said Tuesday his departure from the Elmira Police Department was not his decision, a day after the city issued a short statement saying he was no longer employed.

City Manager Michael Collins emailed a two-sentence statement late Monday afternoon stating Alvernaz's departure but did not offer an explanation.

Collins appointed Deputy Chief Kris Thorne to the position of acting chief to oversee the police department. Collins didn't provide a timeline for finding a permanent replacement.

Alvernaz said Tuesday he neither resigned nor retired and his attorney advised him not to discuss the matter publicly at this time.

Collins said Tuesday he had no additional comment. Thorne couldn't be reached for comment, and Elmira Mayor Dan Mandell referred questions to the city manager.

Alvernaz was appointed interim police chief in May 2021, replacing Joseph Kane, who retired. The appointment was made permanent in June of that year.

Alvernaz, who graduated from the Southern Tier Law Enforcement Academy and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Excelsior College, joined the Elmira Police Department in 1996.

Former Elmira Police Chief Anthony Alvernaz briefs reporters Friday, Aug. 27, 2021 on the circumstances that led to the shooting death of reported parole absconder David G. Wandell earlier in the day. Looking on is Chemung County Sheriff Bill Schrom.
Former Elmira Police Chief Anthony Alvernaz briefs reporters Friday, Aug. 27, 2021 on the circumstances that led to the shooting death of reported parole absconder David G. Wandell earlier in the day. Looking on is Chemung County Sheriff Bill Schrom.

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Thorne worked as a deputy with the Steuben County Sheriff's Office before joining the Elmira Police Department in 2004.

He is a certified field training officer, defensive tactics instructor, a former member of the SWAT team and a former K-9 officer.

The Elmira Police Department has about 70 sworn officers and 10 civilian personnel, and an overall budget of about $7.2 million, according to its 2021 annual report.

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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Elmira police chief Anthony Alvernaz abruptly replaced by deputy chief