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Why did Rodney Harrison resign? Top cop who helped nab Gilgo Beach murders suspect Rex Heuermann steps down just 2 years into role

Harrison announced his retirement in the late evening of Thursday

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK: Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison submitted his resignation unexpectedly, concluding his two-year term and enabling the next county executive to appoint the commissioner without any hindrance.

Harrison announced his retirement on the late evening of Thursday, November 2, months after aiding his department in capturing the suspect in the Gilgo Beach murders, Rex Heuermann.

Based on a document obtained by the New York Post, Harrison, who previously served as the NYPD's chief of department, communicated to officers that he would inform Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone of his resignation on Friday, November 3.

What is Rodney Harrison's next move after resignation?

Harrison took office on December 31, 2021, and served for over two years, making history as the department's first Black police commissioner.

He was initially appointed as the commissioner of police for Suffolk County in January 2022.

A source informed The New York Post that the department was taken by surprise by Harrison's abrupt announcement. Currently, it remains unclear when he will depart and what his future plans entail.

In a phone conversation with Newsday, Harrison disclosed that he would revert to his previous role as a police officer, emphasizing that his immediate intentions were solely to spend quality time with his family.

Harrison wrote in the message, "Serving as the Suffolk County Police commissioner for the past two years was not only a privilege but one of the greatest highlights of my law enforcement career and that is because of you."

He added, "It has been an honor to be part of this organization and work with so many talented individuals."

"Each day, I have been impressed by stories of heroism, bravery, and dedication to the residents of this county. To say I appreciate and admire each one of you is an understatement."

Rodney Harrison created unique joint task force for Gilgo Beach cold homicide cases

When Harrison assumed office in January 2022, he promised his police department would spare no effort in locating the suspect in the Gilgo Beach killings, which had been unsolved for more than ten years.

He established a unique joint task force tasked with investigating cold case homicides, as per the New York Post.

In July, Heuermann was arrested and now faces charges related to multiple murders associated with the mysterious disappearances of several women in the 1990s, which had remained unsolved and became cold cases.

Heuermann was accused by Suffolk County prosecutors on 6 charges of murder in connection with the three unsolved deaths of Amber Lynn Costello, 27, Melissa Barthelemy, 24, and Megan Waterman, 22.

Furthermore, they identified him as the main suspect in the death of 25-year-old Maureen Brainard-Barnes, the fourth victim, who was discovered close to the other three.

Harrison led the Gilgo Beach cold case task group together with District Attorney Ray Tierney.

In his statement, Harrison said, "I leave knowing Suffolk County is in good hands," while applauding the Suffolk department's actions on Thursday.

Suffolk County officers chose not to comment on Harrison's sudden exit.

Internet users speculate Commissioner Rodney Harrison's sudden resignation

Social media users turned to X (formerly Twitter) to engage in speculation and offer various assumptions regarding the reasons for Harrison's sudden resignation, which occurred after just two years of service.

One X user claimed, "The county was afraid of him uncovering more despicable things the Suffolk county pd (sic) were hiding around the Gilgo murders. Forced him to resign to avoid firing. Damn shame."

"Well he was going to be replaced in January with the new administration so guess it’s good," assumed a second X user.

Another user wrote, "Sounds like they bullied him out."

 A user also claimed, "Out of left field something else is going on here."

One more user added, "It seems like local African American Police Commissioners resign suddenly lately - Rodney Harrison and Keechant Sewell- is the pressure too much, or do they feel mistreated and disrespected? I am noticing a trend."

"I think there were systemic issues brewing for some time.." guessed another X user.