Major Anthony F. Astacio was born and raised in Queens, New

York and for the past 25 years, has resided in Nassau County,

New York. He has been a member of the Division of New York

State Park Police since 1992. He is currently the Commanding

Officer for the Long Island Metro District which encompasses Long

Island and New York City. In his 27- year police career, he has

served in various positons within his department including Patrol,

Warrant Squad, Training Unit, Marine Bureau and the Mounted

Unit. He is a certified Police Instructor with specialties in Firearms

Instruction and Emergency Vehicle Operations (EVOC). Through

promotions, he has attained all ranks and served as the following:

Patrol Sergeant, Field Training Officer In-Charge, Firearms and

Training Unit Sergeant, Headquarters Sergeant, Marine Unit

Sergeant, Jones Beach Station Commander, Nassau County Zone

Commander and Regional Executive Officer, and Director of The

New York State Peace Officer Academy for Park Forrest Rangers.  In addition, he has served on the New York City Port Security Committee, Long Island Pine Barrens, and the Fire Island Law Enforcement Committee. He is a 911 responder and was assigned to the World Trade Center from Sept 11, 2001 through December 30, 2001

 

The Major attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Nassau County Community College and is in the process of attaining his Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice through New York State Empire College. In addition, he has attended the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Training Course and has been certified in numerous law enforcement specialties. Major Astacio has been selected to attend the FBI National Academy and is slated to report there in January of 2020.

 

His current duties as Commanding Officer of the New York State Park Police Long Island Metro District find him in command of the largest District within the State Park Police, in terms of police staffing and number of visitors. The department oversees the safety of over 20 Million Visitors to Long Island and New York City State Parks. He has planned and assisted in planning some of the largest Public Gathering Events on Long Island such as The US Open, Barclays Golf Tournament, PGA Championship Jones Beach Airshow and the Jones Beach Fourth of July Fireworks Display and hundreds of Jones Beach Concerts.  

 

Major Astacio has been recognized by his department and agency with the following awards. The Commissioners Huttleston Award, The Regional Directors Sydney M. Shapiro Award, Employee of the Year Award, Director of Law Enforcement Medal of Merit, Chief of Police Meritorious Service Medal, 911 Commendation Award, The Gallantry Star for heroism, the Nassau County Municipal Police Chiefs Award and The New York State Police Chiefs PBA Boss of the year award.