Layne To Be Interim Police Chief For Syracuse
SYRACUSE — Syracuse Police Sgt. Jim Layne was introduced to the Syracuse Town Council during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, Sept. 15. The council later approved hiring Layne to replace Police Chief Tony Ciriello when he retires at the end of October. Town Manager Henry DeJulia said Layne would serve as interim police chief until the council draws up a contract for him.
Layne has been in law enforcement since 1993. He started his career serving in North Webster as a reserve officer. After serving the North Webster community for two years, he came to the Syracuse Police Department as a reserve officer for five years and joined the department full-time in 2001.
Layne said he enjoys all aspects of law enforcement. “I love working with the community, addressing crime and safety issues … you can come to work and never know what to expect,” he said. He also said he loves the public service aspect of the job.
His current assignment is working with the county drug task force which involves the Syracuse Police Department working with Warsaw and Kosciusko police departments on drug issues.
Layne is excited about being police chief. He said he is looking forward to starting a new chapter in his law enforcement career. He said he’s looking forward to working more with the community on issues as well as community policing. “We work as a team with the community,” he said. “It’s been proven. We have to address issues before there is a crime. It means working with kids and the schools.”
Layne grew up in eastern Kentucky. After high school he served in the Army. His family moved to the area to be closer to extended family who were already here. When he isn’t working, Layne enjoys spending time with family, his wife, Jenny, and children, Jason, age 7, Emilia, age 16, and Amy, age 20.
He also enjoys home remodeling and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.