2026 Honoree - Law Enforcement

Deputy Chief Salvatore M. Comodo was appointed to the New York City Police Department on January 4, 1984, and is currently the most senior uniformed member of the service within the NYPD. Throughout more than four decades of distinguished service, he has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues at every rank through his unwavering professionalism, integrity and dedication to the Department and the people of New York City.

During his exceptional career, Deputy Chief Comodo has served with distinction in numerous assignments within the Patrol Services Bureau, Detective Bureau, and Internal Affairs Bureau. Since March, 2014, he has proudly served as the Executive Officer of Patrol Borough Manhattan South, where his leadership, experience, and steady guidance have made an immeasurable impact on one of the Department's busiest and most complex borough commands.

On September 11, 2001, Deputy Chief Comodo answered the call of duty by responding to the World Trade Center attacks, participating in rescue and recovery efforts during one of the darkest days in our nation's history. Like countless first responders, he placed service above self, in defense of the city he has devoted his life to protecting.

Deputy Chief Comodo's career has also been defined by extraordinary personal perseverance. In 2015, and again in 2018, he was diagnosed with two different forms of cancer. Each diagnosis required surgery, extensive treatment, and a lengthy recovery. Yet, with remarkable courage, resilience, and determination, he overcame each battle and returned to full duty, continuing to lead by example and serve the Department with the same passion and commitment that have defined his career for over forty years.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Deputy Chief Comodo is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose family exemplifies profound commitment to public service. He and his wife, Theresa, are the proud parents of five children -- two sons and three daughters. Four of their five children proudly serve as uniformed members of the NYPD, while their fifth child serves the community as a registered nurse. His family's dedication to service extends even further through his two sons-in-law, who are also members of the NYPD. Deputy Chief Comodo also has a brother-in-law and eleven cousins who serve or have served in various ranks & assignments within the NYPD. Together, they have built a family legacy centered on sacrifice, compassion, and service to others. Deputy Chief Comodo and his wife, Theresa, are also the proud grandparents of eight grandchildren with one more on the way. These grandchildren---six boys and two girls, are Chief Comodo's greatest source of pride and inspiration.

Deputy Chief Comodo continues to inspire those around him through his humility, strength, optimism, and extraordinary devotion to the mission of the NYPD. He credits his longevity and continued service to the unconditional support of his wife Theresa, his children, his grandchildren, his exceptional doctors and his extended NYPD family. Deputy Chief Comodo's life and career embody the ideals exemplified by the Sonny Grosso Law Enforcement Award: courage in the face of adversity and danger, resilience during difficult situations, and an enduring passion to protect and serve the people of New York City.