Long Island Police Commissioner, Rodney Harrison, who helped catch Gilgo Beach ... trends now

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison who helped catch the Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect has abruptly quit.

The 54-year-old top cop announced his resignation on Thursday night via an internal memo to his officers.

Harrison told Newsday late Thursday night he tendered his resignation before the upcoming Suffolk County Executive election to give the new official the freedom to select his own commissioner.

He said initially his last day would be on Friday, but has since told Newsday he will he stay on until sometime in December - adding that he did not yet know who will replace him as acting police commissioner. 

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone appointed Harrison - who was the first black commissioner in the department's history - for the post in December 2021. 

Under his leadership, a Gilgo Beach Homicide Investigation Task Force was formed, which led to the arrest of prime suspect Rex Heuermann on July 31.

Harrison's resignation comes just days before the Suffolk County Executive race between Democrat Dave Calone and Republican Ed Romaine. Incumbent Bellone, who has held the position since January 2012, is not running due to term limits.

According to reports, it was widely known that Harrison would not be part of the new administration.

In an email to the department, he spoke about his time spent serving as Suffolk County's Commissioner for the last two years and honoring the people of Suffok County.

He called it a 'privilege' and 'one of the greatest highlights of my law enforcement career.' 

'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,' as per The New York Post.

He also expressed his gratitude to County Executive Bellone for the opportunity.

Harrison formed the Gilgo Beach task force shortly after taking the post. 

Though he told Newsday the investigation 'was a challenge,' he also described making the arrest as one of the 'most personally rewarding moments in his law enforcement career.'

'It was a challenge, but I will say this: Just being able to bring the law enforcement people together to get to that point to identifying our subject was a major accomplishment for me in law enforcement, being able to bring comfort to the families.'

'Sometimes my predecessors got a bad rap for not getting the job done. I thought that was very unfair because a lot of good work was done before I got there.

He added: 'We were just able to take it over the finish line.'