Beloved Poughkeepsie Police Officer Retires After 30+ Years of Service

After more than three decades of service, a familiar face in the City of Poughkeepsie police community is officially calling it a career.

Poughkeepsie Police Officer Retires

According to the City of Poughkeepsie PBA, Officer Michael Barbagallo has closed the book on a law enforcement career that spanned more than 30 years and left a lasting impact across the Hudson Valley.

Barbagallo, who retired on Monday, April 27, 2026, first got his start in local law enforcement with the Village of Wappingers Falls Police Department before making the move to the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department. From there, he went on to serve in a variety of roles throughout his career.

Over the years, he worked as a Crime Scene Technician and served as a member of the department’s Emergency Services Unit. He also spent time assigned to both the Dutchess County Drug Task Force and the Patrol Division, building a reputation as a dependable and experienced officer.

But it was his work in community policing where Barbagallo made some of his biggest connections.

Community-Minded

Serving as a K9 officer for much of his career, he and his partners, K9 Drago and K9 Falcone, became fixtures throughout the Poughkeepsie community. Together, they were involved in numerous arrests and investigations while also helping bridge the gap between law enforcement and local residents.

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Barbagallo also made it a priority to connect with the younger generation, meeting weekly with elementary school students for “Cocoa with a Cop” visits. Those moments helped create positive, early interactions between kids and police, something that can leave a lasting impression for years to come.

Dutchess County Says “Thank You”

Numerous officials across Dutchess County thanked Barbagallo for his years of dedicated service, including Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino.

“Mike, thank you for your unwavering commitment to our residents,” said Serino. “You have left a lasting mark on the City of Poughkeepsie and beyond. We wish you the very best in this next chapter—you’ve certainly earned it.”

Former Poughkeepsie mayor and current New York State Senator Rob Rolison said,

“Congratulations to our friend, City of Poughkeepsie Police Department Officer Mike Barbagallo, who retired today after 31 years of dedicated service in #SD39.”

 

Congratulations on an incredible career, and thank you for everything you’ve done for Poughkeepsie.