In an alternate universe, Syracuse’s next police chief might have been Windsor’s favorite history teacher.

“I always thought I wanted to be a teacher until I substituted. It wasn’t a great feel,” said Mark Rusin.

Rusin, a 2001 graduate of Windsor Central High School, is a Deputy Police Chief in the Syracuse Police Department. He will take the department’s top job when current Chief Joe Cecile retires on January 14th.  
“I’m super excited. This is a great police department. We have a great community connection. This is an incredible opportunity. I’m really humbled by it. The retiring chief had 40 years. He’s had two careers since I’ve had one,” said Rusin. “It’s a great opportunity, and I recognize how important the police department is to the community.”

Rusin began his law enforcement career with the Nunda Police Department. He moved on to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office before landing with the Syracuse Police Department, where he worked from patrol officer to detective to sergeant, and to deputy chief.

As he rose through the ranks, he kept the values he learned in Windsor.

“Very rarely did I find a reason to get into a battle with someone. I was voted the nicest guy in the class. That doesn’t mean I don’t debate with people. Being from a small town, it taught you to be a decent human being and think outside of your small little world. Once you learn those concepts, you can take them anywhere,” said Rusin.

One reason he’s stayed connected to what he learned in Windsor is because he has kept in touch with those he met during his time as a Black Knight.

“I still talk to Jon Doolittle and Jeff Nolan. I got a really lovely text from Gary Vail. I still talk to a lot of those guys,” said Rusin, who played three sports while at Windsor Central High School. “I was really close with Tim Hogan, Jeff Nolan, Jon Doolittle, and Gary Vail, coaches and history teachers. Jason Andrews was one of my favorite teachers. He’s near and dear to my heart.

Windsor High School was the best. I spend more time thinking about running laps and the flat three through town. It was an incredible opportunity. I loved the experience. As I look back 20 years ago, I had an incredible friend group and incredible mentors: Mary Jo Townsend, Jean Martino, Chris Durdon. There are just incredibly talented people there. I always felt people gave me a chance, and gave me an opportunity,” said Rusin.

Now, he has the greatest opportunity of his career.

“Whenever you work at a police agency, you always have to take steps to improve the legitimacy of the agency in the community in which you work. You have to continue to work to build a brand, and what you say can have an important impact,” said Rusin. “My job is to make the department trustworthy in the community and develop people who can take over when your time comes to an end.”