RAMAPO – Daniel Hyman’s father inspired him to pursue a career in public service. His father worked for years as a firefighter in New York City, and visits to the fire department allowed Hyman to see firsthand what the service was like while he was growing up in Ramapo.
Hyman will reach the pinnacle of his career when he receives the Ramapo police chief’s badge on June 15, with the retirement of Martin Reillywho took office in June 2021.
“Spending time with him at work sparked my passion for public service, especially emergency services,” Hyman said of his father. “As a teenager, I accompanied him at work and saw firsthand how rewarding it was to serve the public.”
Hyman’s career began with the Spring Hill youth team
Hyman began his public service as a volunteer with the Spring Hill Ambulance Corps Youth Squad. He rose to captain and became a EMT, an emergency medical technician. He became a senior ambulance corps lieutenant, driving ambulances to numerous emergencies.
In 1987, just three weeks after his 20th birthday, Hyman was sworn in as an NYPD officer. He said he worked on the streets of the South Bronx and later in the neighborhoods of West Harlem.
“Being a police officer was more than just a job to me, it was a calling,” Hyman said. “It was an opportunity to make a real difference in other people’s lives.”
After two years learning the ropes on the city streets, Hyman accepted his calling to Ramapo. The city hired him in 1989 as a police officer. The Ramapo Police Department is the second largest force in Rockland.
Rising through the ranks at Ramapo
Hyman rose through the ranks from sergeant to captain. He was assigned as a community police officer and promoted to communications sergeant before being named lieutenant and then administrative captain in 2019. Completed courses and training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, in 2012.
In 2003 and 2004, Hyman co-managed the department’s state accreditation program.
He is married to retired Sergeant Ramapo. Margarida Sammarone, who works as deputy director of the Criminal Analysis Center at the Rockland District Attorney’s Office. They have three children.
Hyman becomes Ramapo’s ninth police chief in the department’s 93-year history. He succeeds Reilly, a Bronx native who joined the department in 1987 and worked 34 years under his predecessor, Brad Weidel.
Reilly’s salary is $304,740. Hyman’s captain’s salary is $287,148. He is one of three captains with Kevin Lee and Michael Colbath.
Reilly’s last day is June 14, the day before Hyman takes over the department. The Ramapo City Council, which appointed Hyman as chief, will hold a promotion ceremony on June 6.
Hyman has Reilly’s endorsement.
“Over the years, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to our department and the community,” Reilly said. “His dedication to serving everyone who lives and works here with integrity and professionalism is evident in his actions.”
Hyman credits Reilly for exemplifying leadership.
“Chief Reilly has been an exemplary leader and mentor,” Hyman said. “I am honored to follow in his footsteps and continue the legacy of excellence he established. I look forward to serving the Ramapo community and working with our dedicated employees to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.”
Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com Twitter: @lohudlegal
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This article originally appeared in the Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Ramapo NY Names Daniel Hyman Chief of Police as Martin Reilly Retires
