Suffolk County Courts commemorate Tony Amado’s promotion to major with ceremony

Law Suffolk County Courts commemorate Tony Amado’s promotion to major with ceremony By Max Parrott … Comments Posted on November 9, 2026 From left, Major Anthony Mung, Suffolk Chief of Security David Santiago, newly promoted Major Tony Amado, and Suffolk District Administrative Judge Andrew Crecca stand for a photo after the ceremony. Courtesy photo The Suffolk County court system promoted one of its court officers as its highest-ranking security official at a ceremony on Nov. 5. Court officer Tony Amado moved up from captain to major during an event in the Ceremonial Courtroom at the John P. Cohalan, Jr.  Court Complex. At the rank of major, court officers work with administrative judges and other executives in the court district to coordinate security among the court district’s team of officers and sergeants between the court district’s locations and implement statewide policy. Amado will be assigned to lead the Riverhead West Command, where he will supervise all security operations at both the Arthur M. Cromarty Court complex and the Suffolk County Surrogate’s court building. “A good leader is nothing without a great team behind them,” Amado said after receiving his new shield. “All I can say is that I greatly appreciate all of my fellow court officers, instructors, judges, court staff, my family and friends—I can’t  thank you enough.” Suffolk County’s District Administrative Judge Andrew A. Crecca hosted the ceremony, which was presided over by Chief Court Officer David Santiago — the top executive officer in the county. “Today we gather to recognize not only a promotion, but a career that has been defined by dedication,  professionalism, and service,” Crecca said. “Tony Amado has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and an unwavering commitment to public safety, and he has earned a reputation for excellence, integrity, and reliability. Time and time again, he has gone above and beyond the  call of duty to help colleagues, judges, court staff, attorneys, litigants, and members of the public.” Amado began his career as a court officer in 2006 and was subsequently promoted to sergeant in 2016. He has taken on diverse leadership roles and specialized assignments such as the ceremonial unit, the special response team, judicial protection details, firearms instruction duties, and defensive tactics training. He became the courts’ captain of training three years ago, a role in which he instructed more than 280 court officers. He also helped launch Suffolk’s chapter of the New York Courts Law  Enforcement Explorers Program, a youth leadership program aimed at recruiting high school students. He was awarded the Suffolk Courts’ 2024 Noel Bonilla II Achievement Award, an honor named after a champion of civil and political rights in the Hispanic community. Amado’s promotion brings the number of the court’s majors to four, a first for the district. “I’ve often times described Tony as my Swiss Army Knife,” Santiago said. “Whenever I  needed a task to be done or a unit to be run, Tony always accepted the call and stepped up to lead and inspire others. It didn’t matter what unit I put Tony in, or the assignment I gave him, Tony handled himself  with such confidence and dedication that I never had to look over my shoulder or double-check to see that  it got done.” About the Author All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines . Schneps Media does not endorse the views shared by readers in our comment sections.