Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski Quits

Joseph Zikuski, the long-time chief of the Binghamton Police Department, has resigned.

Zikuski submitted his paperwork to retire earlier this month. Mayor Jared Kraham announced the police chief's departure in a news release issued Tuesday afternoon.

According to Kraham's statement, he accepted Zikuski's resignation on Monday. His retirement is to be effective October 6.

The 68-year-old Zikuski could not be reached for comment on his decision. He joined the Binghamton Police Department in March 1979. He was named police chief by Mayor Matthew Ryan in July 2008.

Zikuski had been on paid administrative leave since July 20, two days after an off-duty incident in Johnson City.

Zikuski's girlfriend - 44-year-old Susan Rice - was arrested by Johnson City police following a dispute that occurred on July 18 on Ackley Avenue. She was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, harassment and trespass.

A video posted to social media showed part of an argument involving Rice and two teenagers. Village police said Rice walked onto the porch of a house next to her residence and punched the youths.

Rice then was struck in the face by a 16-year-old boy. In the video, Zikuski - who was off-duty - is seen assisting Rice, who fell to the porch floor.

The city hired a law firm to investigate Zikuski's conduct. In Tuesday's news release, Kraham said the investigation is "concluding." He said the law firm's report "will be released shortly."

John Ryan, who has been the acting Binghamton police chief since Zikuski was placed on leave, will continue to oversee the department "in an interim role."

According to the mayor, the city will follow state law "on the appointment of a new permanent chief of police, which is a tested civil service position."

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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.