Former Elmira police chief says 'beliefs cost me my job,' as city remains silent

Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette
·2 min read
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Elmira Police Chief Anthony Alvernaz was fired in January with little explanation from city officials. A Star-Gazette Freedom of Information Law request shed additional light on the circumstances behind the dismissal.

Anthony Alvernaz said he was fired as Elmira Police Chief because he wanted to adhere to his principles, and city officials again refused to comment on why they terminated the city's top law enforcement officer.

City Manager Michael Collins issued a brief statement late Monday afternoon announcing Alvernaz's departure but did not offer an explanation.

A day later, Alvernaz said he neither resigned nor retired and his attorney advised him not to discuss the matter publicly at the time. On Wednesday, he issued a statement, elaborating somewhat on the circumstances of his dismissal.

"Throughout my 27 years as a police officer, my oath of office was very important to me," Alvernaz wrote. "I am unable to comment on specifics at this time, but the community should know that I was not willing to compromise my principles or ethics. Ultimately, my beliefs cost me my job."

Alvernaz didn't offer any examples of how the city expected him to violate those beliefs.

Alvernaz added his biggest regret is not being able to continue to forge a closer relationship between the police department and members of the community, and he expressed hope the new generation of officers will continue to foster that relationship.

Collins said Tuesday he couldn't provide more information beyond what was in the news release. Reached Thursday afternoon, he also declined comment on Alvernaz's statement.

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Collins tapped Deputy Police Chief Kris Thorne to serve as acting chief, but didn't indicate a timeline for finding a permanent replacement.

Alvernaz joined the Elmira Police Department in 1996, and was appointed chief in 2021, replacing Joseph Kane, who retired.

Thorne, a former Steuben County sheriff's deputy, has been a member of the Elmira Police Department since 2004.

The agency 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: Former Elmira police chief Anthony Alvernaz elaborates on firing