Nassau County Sheriff Anthony LaRocco retires, Robert Matarazzo named acting sheriff

There’s a new sheriff in Nassau County, or at least an interim one.

Nassau County Sheriff Anthony LaRocco retired as of Friday, County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced in a news release. Newly minted Undersheriff Robert Matarazzo will serve as acting sheriff until a permanent sheriff is appointed, Blakeman said.

LaRocco served nearly four years as the county’s sheriff, himself initially in an acting capacity, a time span he described as “rewarding service.”

“It has been an honor to serve alongside the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Department and to protect and serve the residents of Nassau County,” LaRocco said in a statement. “I look forward to starting this next chapter of my life with my family and loved ones.”

The county executive thanked LaRocco for his tenure on Friday, the sheriff’s final shift.

“As of today, Sheriff Anthony LaRocco has retired,” Blakeman said in a statement. “I thank him for his service to the residents of Nassau County and wish him well in his retirement.”

Blakeman said he promoted Matarazzo Friday from deputy undersheriff, a role he has filled since August of last year, to undersheriff, and will act as the county’s sheriff “until such time that I make a permanent appointment.”

Matarazzo, who earned a master's degree in criminal justice from the University at Albany, has taught the subject at many colleges, including Nassau County Community College, according to the release. Before joining the sheriff’s department, he served as an NYPD captain.