Yorktown honors Chief Noble ahead of retirement

The Yorktown Town Board honored Chief of Police Robert Noble during its June 16 meeting, recognizing his service and leadership as he prepares to retire after more than a decade leading the Yorktown Police Department.

Town officials, colleagues and community leaders reflected on Noble’s tenure, highlighting his leadership through major challenges, including severe winter storms, the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of social unrest across the country. Noble was described as a steady and trusted presence during times of uncertainty, helping coordinate public safety responses while keeping department operations running smoothly.

Officials also praised Noble’s commitment to community engagement through programs such as Coffee with a Cop and National Night Out, as well as his support for school-based initiatives, including the school resource officer program.

Noble credited his family, fellow officers and town leadership for supporting him throughout his career. He said the department’s success comes from its people and culture, describing Yorktown officers as dedicated to service and building strong community relationships. He also stressed the importance of maintaining accreditation standards and ongoing training.

“Yorktown really is a special place,” Noble said.

Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman said Noble was the kind of leader whose office he could stop into for either a casual conversation or a serious discussion. He said Noble’s presence will be deeply missed.

Lachterman and the entire Town Board accepted Noble’s retirement with sadness, thanking him for his years of service and expressing their appreciation for his contributions to the community.

Councilman Ilan Gilbert said he worked with Noble in several capacities, including as town judge, supervisor and councilman. He also recalled Noble’s support during a difficult personal period for his family.

“I could never, ever thank you enough—the compassion you showed me and my family during that period of time,” Gilbert told Noble.

Council members Sergio Esposito, Patrick Murphy and Susan Siegel echoed similar sentiments, crediting Noble with helping create the department’s culture and wishing him well in retirement.

“Everybody just speaks so highly of you and that's because you did that,” Esposito said. “It's because of how you treat people—your compassion.”

Assemblyman Matt Slater, who worked closely with Noble during his time as supervisor and continues to collaborate with him in Albany, praised the chief’s accessibility and guidance.

“The fact that your phone was always on, we were always collaborated and you always provided such sound guidance,” Slater said. “I learned so much from you in this role, and I just hope that I can continue to bring those lessons forward as we continue up in Albany.”

Slater also acknowledged the sacrifices made by families of public servants and thanked Noble’s wife, Eleana, and their three adult children, Amanda, Bobby and Meghan, for sharing him with the community.

“I know how close you all are and how much they believe in the mission, and how much they supported everything that you did,” Slater said before presenting Noble with a proclamation from the 94th Assembly District honoring his retirement.

Town officials praised Noble as a collaborative and accessible leader who prioritized communication across departments and with elected officials. They also recognized his role in preparing the department’s leadership transition, including incoming Chief Justin Foley, who was described as part of the next generation of leadership within the Yorktown Police Department.