A long career in New York City law enforcement has come to an end with the death of retired NYPD Chief Anthony “Tough Tony” Izzo, a veteran officer whose decades of service included senior leadership roles within the department.

Izzo, 75, died Friday evening after being found unresponsive in the swimming pool at his home in Stony Brook, Long Island. His death has prompted an outpouring of remembrance from members of the NYPD and the broader law enforcement community.

According to Suffolk County Police, a family member discovered Izzo in the backyard pool and contacted emergency services at approximately 7:45 p.m.

Emergency Response at Stony Brook Home

Police and emergency personnel were dispatched to Izzo’s residence near Malverne Lane after the 911 call was received.

Officers and members of the Stony Brook Fire Department responded to the home and removed Izzo from the swimming pool.

Emergency responders immediately began life-saving efforts, including CPR.

Izzo was subsequently transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where medical personnel continued efforts to revive him. He was ultimately pronounced dead at the hospital.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Police Find No Sign of Criminality

Suffolk County Police have stated that there is no indication of criminality connected to Izzo’s death.

Although authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning, officials have not indicated that foul play was involved.

The investigation is expected to focus on establishing exactly what happened before Izzo was found in the pool.

No criminal activity has been reported in connection with the incident based on the information released by authorities.

A Distinguished Career With the NYPD

Izzo spent decades serving with the New York City Police Department, eventually rising to one of the department’s senior leadership positions.

He became chief of the NYPD’s Organized Crime Control Bureau, a significant command role involving investigations and enforcement efforts targeting organized criminal activity.

The position placed Izzo among the department’s senior law enforcement leaders and reflected the experience he accumulated throughout his career.

His work within the NYPD contributed to a long record of public service that extended across multiple assignments and responsibilities.

Leadership at the 115th Precinct

One notable chapter in Izzo’s career came in 1995, when he served as the commanding officer of the 115th Precinct.

As precinct commander, he was responsible for overseeing police operations and officers serving the communities within the precinct.

His leadership during that period became part of the professional legacy remembered by colleagues and those familiar with his career.

The role also reflected the trust placed in him as a senior officer capable of managing the responsibilities associated with leading a major NYPD precinct.

Remembered as “Tough Tony”

Throughout his law enforcement career, Izzo became known by the nickname “Tough Tony.”

The name became associated with his identity within the department and the reputation he developed during his years in policing.

For colleagues, however, his legacy extends beyond a nickname or the senior positions he eventually held.

He was a veteran officer who spent a substantial portion of his life working in public service and helping lead members of one of the nation’s largest police departments.

Tributes From the Law Enforcement Community

News of Izzo’s death has prompted tributes from former colleagues, NYPD personnel, and members of the wider law enforcement community.

Those remembering him have focused on his years of service, leadership, and commitment to the department.

For people who spent their careers alongside him, his death represents the loss of a colleague who played a significant role within the NYPD.

The impact of a long police career is often reflected in the number of people an officer works with and influences over the years. Izzo’s decades of service created connections across multiple generations of New York law enforcement personnel.

A Life Dedicated to Public Service

Izzo’s professional life was closely tied to the city he served.

From his work in precinct command to his leadership of the Organized Crime Control Bureau, he held positions that carried significant responsibility.

His career also spanned different periods in the history of the NYPD, giving him experience across decades of changes within the department and the city.

For his family and friends, those professional accomplishments are now part of the larger story of a man whose life was deeply connected to public service.

Remembering Anthony “Tough Tony” Izzo

While Izzo will be remembered for the senior positions he held, his legacy is also reflected in the people with whom he worked throughout his career.

Former colleagues and friends are now looking back on the years they spent alongside him, the challenges they faced together, and the experiences that shaped their professional relationships.

For the NYPD community, his passing marks the loss of a veteran law enforcement figure whose career represented decades of service.

For his loved ones, the loss is deeply personal as they mourn a husband, father, relative, friend, and longtime public servant.

Death Investigation Continues

Suffolk County Police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Izzo’s death.

Authorities have confirmed that there is no indication of criminality, but the investigation into how he ended up in the swimming pool remains ongoing.

The available information does not indicate that foul play was suspected.

Additional details may become available as authorities complete their investigation and provide further information.

A Lasting NYPD Legacy

Anthony “Tough Tony” Izzo leaves behind a law enforcement career that spanned decades and included some of the NYPD’s most significant leadership assignments.

His service as commanding officer of the 115th Precinct and later as chief of the Organized Crime Control Bureau formed important parts of that career.

For the people who knew and worked with him, his name will remain connected to the NYPD and to the many years he devoted to serving New York City.

As his family and friends mourn his sudden death, former colleagues and members of the law enforcement community continue to remember his contributions.

Anthony “Tough Tony” Izzo was 75 years old. His passing marks the end of a long chapter of public service, while the memories of his career and the people he served with remain part of his enduring legacy.