Eric Stickel promoted to chief of Cornell University Police

Eric Stickel, interim chief of the Cornell University Police Department, has been promoted to chief of police, effective immediately.

The announcement was made Nov. 6 by David Honan, associate vice president for public safety. Stickel, formerly deputy chief, has been serving as interim chief since Sept. 20 following the retirement of Chief Anthony Bellamy.

"Chief Stickel has demonstrated unwavering dedication, professionalism and leadership throughout his tenure with CUPD," Honan said. "His commitment to campus safety, community engagement and operational excellence has earned the respect of his peers and the broader Cornell community. This promotion is a well-deserved recognition of his service and vision for the future of CUPD."

Stickel, who has more than 17 years of law-enforcement experience, said he is committed to building relationships with the community through accountability, transparency, inclusivity and community-based policing.

"I believe that relationships are only built at the speed of trust," he said, "and I think we've tried to deliver that by listening closely, communicating openly and showing our community members that their voices matter. Investing in social capital and our youth has been a driving force in my life. I've been involved in all kinds of things - school events, town parades, coaching - and I want to bring that same involvement and connection into my role now as police chief."

Stickel began his CUPD career as an officer in 2008, and was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2015 and to training sergeant in 2019. In 2021, he became a uniformed lieutenant, directing evening and night shifts, and then was promoted to deputy chief in May 2022.

Stickel was recognized as the Frank G. Hammer Officer of the Month in 2011 and was awarded the Tompkins County STOP DWI Award of Excellence in 2011 and '12. For 10 years, Stickel was a drug recognition expert (DRE), an officer trained to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

In July of 2021, Stickel, then-Deputy Chief Jeffery Montesano and Sgt. Scott Salino were honored with the Director's Citation, awarded to an officer for "outstanding performance of duties under unusual, complicated or hazardous conditions," for assisting a fellow officer during a life-threatening medical emergency.

Stickel received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in political science legal studies and sociology in 2007 from Lycoming College. He recently completed the FBI National Academy and is currently enrolled in the University of Virginia's Master of Public Safety program.

Stickel also is the girls' soccer coach at Lansing High School and runs the Adam Heck Annual Soccer Camp in Lansing. This year's camp attracted more than 300 boys and girls entering grades K-10.

"It's my favorite week of the year," Stickel said. "I meet so many wonderful people, including members of the Cornell community whose children attend."

Stickel lives in Lansing with his wife, Jenna, and their two children.