The Cornell University’s Police Department’s Police Chief Anthony Bellamy will retire from CUPD and join the Ithaca Police Department as a deputy chief of police on Oct. 2, according to a statement from a University spokesperson that was sent to The Sun.
Bellamy, who was CUPD’s first Black chief and has more than two decades of experience on the force, has served as police chief at CUPD for the past three years. In an email obtained by The Sun that Bellamy sent to officers, Bellamy told them that this opportunity “is a meaningful step” for himself and his family.
“I am deeply grateful for the relationships, collaboration, and dedication that define Cornell University Police,” Bellamy wrote.
According to the statement, CUPD Deputy Chief Eric Stickel will be appointed interim chief on Sept. 20. Stickel has worked for the CUPD for 17 years and is an alumni of nearby Lansing High School, where he works as the girls soccer team’s head coach.
“I want to wish Chief Bellamy well in his future endeavors,” Stickel wrote in the statement. “We appreciate all his efforts in keeping us the modern, professional agency that we are, and in making the Cornell community safer. My goal is to keep that momentum going.”
In another email obtained by The Sun that Bellamy sent to officers, Bellamy wrote that he is “fully committed” supporting Eric “until the transition is finalized.” Bellamy is expected to retire from CUPD on Oct. 1, before starting with the IPD the next day.
Bellamy wrote in the statement that his goal in the new role is “to collaborate and create partnerships” between the CUPD and IPD.
“I’m a spoke in the wheel, and I want to keep that wheel moving in a great direction and support that any way I can,” Bellamy told the Cornell Chronicle.
Bellamy will participate in a ceremonial “walk-out” on Sept. 19.
Zeinab Faraj is a member of the class of 2028 in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is the features editor on the 143rd Editorial Board and was the assistant sports editor of the 143rd Editorial Board. You can reach her at zfaraj@cornellsun.com.
