After the Election: Kraham Prepares to Select New Police Chief

One of the biggest tasks facing Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham now that he's been elected to a second term in City Hall is to choose a new police chief.

Kraham, a Republican, defeated challenger Miles Burnett, a Democrat by a 54 to 46 percent margin. Final unofficial tallies show Kraham with 4,592 votes and Burnett with 3,896 votes.

In a live interview on WNBF Radio Wednesday morning, Kraham said he celebrated his election victory Tuesday night and "we're back to work today... it feels great."

Kraham said he is preparing to start interviewing four prospective candidates for the police chief position. Longtime chief Joseph Zikuski's retirement took effect on month ago. He resigned after questions arose following his girlfriend's July arrest in connection with a dispute next door to her Johnson City home.

Kraham told WNBF News all four police department veterans on the Civil Service list for the chief's position have indicated they want to be considered for the job.

The mayor said he intends to have "in-depth discussions about public safety" with each candidate. He plans to tour the city in a police vehicle with each man to hear their thoughts about how to address specific challenges the department is facing in various neighborhoods.

Kraham said the candidates for the top police department post are assistant chief John Ryan, Captain Larry Hendrickson, Captain John Chapman and Captain Conor Heslin. Ryan now is serving as acting police chief.

The mayor said he intends to announce his choice for chief by the end of the year.

LISTEN: Mayor Kraham was interviewed on News Radio WNBF on November 5, 2025.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.