Anthony Rando starts a journey toward his badge


Anthony Rando is training to become a police officer and hopes one day to call the Island his home turf. He was recently appointed by the Town Board, but before he can hit the beat he first must graduate from the Suffolk County Police Academy, where he started this week. If all goes according to plan, Mr. Rando will get his degree from the academy in six months and will then complete his field training, after which he’ll be eligible to officially start as a full-time officer in the Shelter Island Police Department.

When asked about the training, he said “I think it’ll be challenging but I’m definitely up for it … I’ve wanted to be a police officer for most of my life. I’ve had three or four uncles who are police officers in New York City and I’ve always looked up to police officers.” Mr. Rando looks forward to serving here on the Island: “It’s nice to give back to the community and be able to protect this great town that we live in.”

Anthony Rando moved with his family from Island Park to Shelter Island in 2002 and attended Shelter Island High School for his junior and senior years. He went on to attend Nova Southeastern University. Mr. Rando recently left his position as co-manager and head chef at Sweet Tomato’s Restaurant in the Heights to pursue a career on the force.

He’s sad to leave Sweet Tomato’s, he said, but he’ll still be a familiar face on the Island for years to come. “I definitely plan on staying here and raising a family here one day.” Mr. Rando is engaged to Lindsay Springer and a wedding is planned for next fall.