ELDRED — The Town of Highland took another step toward restoring its constabulary Tuesday night, appointing Jason Sarnoff as operations commander and interim chief of the town’s revived public safety force.

Sarnoff was sworn in during the June 9 Town Board meeting after being praised by Supervisor John Pizzolato for helping build the constabulary “from the ground up.”

Pizzolato said Sarnoff, who has a background with the NYPD, has played a central role in developing the department before it begins patrol operations. He said Sarnoff helped create a more than 300-page policy and procedure manual, coordinated training, reviewed equipment needs, assisted with recruitment and helped guide the town through compliance requirements.

“The town’s goal is straightforward: to provide professional, accountable and community-focused public safety services that serve our residents while working cooperatively with our area law enforcement, local fire, EMS and municipal partners,” Pizzolato said.

After taking the oath of office, Sarnoff thanked the board for its support and said the constabulary is still in the early stages of development.

“The Town of Highland Constabulary was established for the clear purpose: to enhance public safety through professionalism, accountability, visibility and service to our community,” Sarnoff said.

Sarnoff said his focus as interim chief will be to build a professional organization, recruit experienced and qualified personnel, ensure proper training and supervision and operate in a manner that earns and maintains public trust.

He said the town is working toward operational readiness and expects patrol operations to begin later this year.

Pizzolato said the town has been working with local and regional partners on training opportunities, including facilities in Port Jervis. He also said the town anticipates future announcements related to state and federal support for the constabulary.