Lieutenant James Gruenfelder is this weeks First Responder Friday nominee. “James Gruenfelder is a veteran law enforcement professional and respected union leader with more than three decades of dedicated service to the Suffolk County Police Department and its members. He began his policing career in October 1991 and was promoted to Sergeant in 1999, joining the Suffolk County Superior Officers Association (SOA), where his commitment to advocacy and leadership quickly became evident.
Influenced by a family legacy in law enforcement—his father a detective and two uncles serving with the NYPD—Gruenfelder developed a strong sense of service at an early age. While still in high school, he volunteered as a Nassau County Auxiliary Police Officer, reinforcing his lifelong dedication to public safety and community service.
Deeply engaged with the SOA throughout his career, Gruenfelder formally entered union leadership in 2008 as a Precinct Trustee. He went on to serve in numerous executive roles, including Sergeant at Arms, Secretary, Second Vice President, and First Vice President, before assuming the role of President in January 2020.
As President, Gruenfelder has focused on representing members in all aspects of their profession—negotiating fair contracts, protecting workplace rights, advocating for retirees, and ensuring the well-being of members and their families. Under his leadership, the SOA expanded its communications through weekly member updates, a robust website, and an active social media presence, while strengthening legislative and political advocacy at the county, state, and national levels.
A strong proponent of unity and member wellness, Gruenfelder established the SOA Peer Support Team in 2019 and helped launch expanded mental health counseling services for active and retired members. He has emphasized collaboration with fraternal organizations, fellow law enforcement unions, and labor coalitions to advance shared goals, including successful statewide advocacy efforts and improvements to public employee benefits.
James Gruenfelder represents approximately 1,100 active and retired members of the Suffolk County Superior Officers Association and is an active participant in numerous professional and advocacy organizations, including the National Association of Police Organizations, the Police Conference of New York, and the Suffolk Coalition of Public Employees. His leadership philosophy is grounded in collaboration, integrity, and the belief that meaningful progress is achieved when organizations work together in service of their members and the public.
Lt Gruenfelder was selected as the Salute to Public Safety honoree for the upcoming Suffolk County Police Asian Jade Society - Lunar New Year celebration on March 5th.’”
James, as a small way of saying thanks for all you do for the community, you will receive a $100 gift card to The Pizzeria.