STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — After more than 40 years with the New York City Police Department, Detective Thomas Cerbone is hanging up his badge and leaving behind a legacy that included Times Square patrols, presidential motorcades, and community service.
Cerbone retires as the most senior officer among the NYPD’s 36,000 members, a distinction confirmed by a department-wide list released just days before his final tour.
Cerbone, inspired by his father — an NYPD officer and detective he describes as his hero — joined the force in 1984. His first assignment was with NSU 3, covering Midtown North and South.
A young Detective Thomas Cerbone surrounded by family looks up at a bronze statue of a police officer.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
Cerbone spent 11 years patrolling Times Square before achieving his long-time goal of joining the elite Highway Patrol in 1995. After completing wheel school, he was assigned to Highway 2 and later transferred to Staten Island’s Highway 5 unit in 2000.
Over the next three decades, Cerbone became a fixture in Highway Patrol, handling everything from traffic enforcement to high-profile security details. He earned the rank of detective in 2013, detective second grade in 2017, and detective first grade in 2023.
Cerbone estimates he participated in as many as 60 presidential motorcades and escorted “basically almost every world leader” who visited New York City — along with three popes.
“Our job was to get them from point A to point B with no trouble,” he said proudly.
Detective Thomas Cerbone retires from NYPD Highway Unit #5, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
Reflecting on his 42-year career, Cerbone referenced Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way.’ While he admits to “a few regrets,” they are “too few to mention.”
Cerbone’s service was not without obstacles. A cancer diagnosis threatened to derail his plans, but he refused to let it stop him.
“I couldn’t let bumps in the road, no matter how great they were, prevent me from getting to my final destination, which was to stay on this job as long as I could,’’ Cerbone said.
He credits doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering for his recovery and says he feels blessed to be “one of the lucky ones.”
Detective Thomas Cerbone of NYPD’s Highway Patrol #5 poses with children from the Seton Foundation during his last day on the job on Nov. 25, 2025.Dennis Quirk
Beyond the badge, Cerbone has spent 12 years co-leading the Seton Foundation for Learning’s annual holiday toy drive alongside Highway 5 Commanding Officer Lt. Joseph Bell — a tradition he vows to continue as a civilian.
The event has become a Staten Island spectacle, featuring 12 NYPD motorcycle “reindeer,” a police escort and Santa Claus arriving in a van filled with toys. Officers personally purchase gifts for children, sometimes going above and beyond, like buying pajamas for a child in need.
“It’s the highlight of the year,” said Seton Foundation representative Dennis Quirk. “He’s devoted himself to these kids and took them on as if they were his own.”
Cerbone is mentoring another Highway Patrol officer to take over his official role, ensuring the tradition continues.
Detective Thomas Cerbone retires from NYPD Highway Unit #5, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)STATEN ISLAND ADVANCEA ceremony to remember
Cerbone’s retirement ceremony featured a presentation of colors, the national anthem, and heartfelt speeches from colleagues.
“Tommy is a friend to many, but more importantly, he’s a mentor to all,’’ Bell said. ”Let’s face it, his courtroom testimony — flawless. A wealth of knowledge, professional, loyal, and dedicated to the unit.
“The officers that came through the doors as new officers would go to him on a regular basis for information and guidance,’’ he said.
The Detectives’ Endowment Association honored Cerbone with a plaque, calling him the “quintessential representative of that gold shield.”
Highway 5 officers presented another plaque recognizing his professionalism and friendship. The ceremony concluded with “God Bless America” and Cerbone’s final call and walkout.
Detective Thomas Cerbone retires from NYPD Highway Unit #5, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)STATEN ISLAND ADVANCEFamily Matters
Cerbone credits family members for their unwavering support throughout his career. “They never know if you’re coming home,” he said, acknowledging the stress his loved ones endured.
His wife, Lori, who has been by his side since they were 17, summed up their journey simply by saying: “The rest is history.”
“He did it for the sacrifice of the city,” she said. “We’re just extremely proud of him. There was a few scary times, but, thank God, he was fine. We’re just thankful that he made it.”
The family views retirement as a chance for Cerbone to focus on himself after decades of sacrifice, including missed holidays and milestones. To celebrate, they’re planning a ‘big one’ — a trip to France to visit Normandy, Versailles and Paris in April.
His daughter, Krista, offered advice to other law enforcement families: “Give yourself some grace.” She acknowledged the sacrifices, but said the pride of being part of an NYPD family makes it worthwhile.
Detective Thomas Cerbone retires from NYPD Highway Patrol #5 on the afternoon of Tuesday Nov. 25, 2025.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrencePassing the torch
Cerbone’s message to young officers is clear: Respect the profession and embrace the fundamentals.
He urged recruits to put down their phones, listen intently, and rely on their own eyes and ears. In his view, traditional policing skills and situational awareness will always matter more than digital distractions.
“I think that everybody should encourage their children to respect and admire the police and look at them as the role models they are,” Cerbone said. “More people should encourage their children to become NYPD officers because it is the greatest job.”
As he steps away, Cerbone said hopes his legacy — four decades of service, countless dignitaries escorted and thousands of lives touched — has made New York City a better place.
Detective Thomas Cerone retires from NYPD Highway Unit #5, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE