John Ryan to Become Binghamton Police Chief

A man who had served as an assistant Binghamton police chief for several years has been chosen to be the city's next police chief.

John Ryan's appointment as police chief is to be effective January 3. He's been the acting police chief for the past five months.

Ryan has been overseeing the police department since July 21 when longtime chief Joseph Zikuski was placed on administrative leave following an off-duty incident in Johnson City.

Mayor Jared Kraham on Friday announced Ryan was his choice for police chief. He said Ryan "brings nearly three decades of law enforcement experience" to the position.

The mayor said Ryan is "the right person to guide the Binghamton Police Department into a new era."

Acting Police Chief John Ryan conferred with other officers on Telegraph Street on October 15, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Ryan served as a patrol officer for the Vestal Police Department for four years before joining the Binghamton agency in 2000.

His tenure with the Binghamton police has included two years as a SWAT team member and two years as a field training officer.

Ryan is a graduate of Binghamton High School and SUNY Broome Community College, where he earned an associate's degree in criminal justice.

Ryan was one of four candidates under consideration for the position of police chief. The others were Captain Larry Hendrickson, Captain John Chapman and Captain Conor Heslin.

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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.

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