Tonawanda, nY (WBEN) Captain Corey J. Flatau, a 19-year member of the Town of Tonawanda Police Department and combat veteran, has been selected as the new chief, succeeding Chief James P. Stauffiger, who will retire on Feb. 19, 2026. The Town of Tonawanda Town Board will meet in special session on Monday, Feb. 2, at 4 p.m., to vote on the appointment. The meeting will take place at the Kenmore-Tonawanda Municipal Building, 2919 Delaware Ave., Kenmore.
A Town of Tonawanda native, Flatau (FLAY-toh), 44, attended Hoover Elementary and Middle schools, Kenmore West High School, and earned degrees from SUNY Niagara and SUNY Brockport.
“I have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead the department, and he is certainly well-qualified for this leadership role,” said Town Supervisor Joseph H. Emminger.
Chief-designate Flatau joined the department in 2007 as a patrol officer. In 2013 he was promoted to lieutenant and was promoted to captain in 2020. He currently serves as SWAT commander and Patrol commander which includes overseeing the ATV, bicycle, and K9 units. He is a certified New York State Fire Arms instructor and has attended numerous tactical leadership training seminars.
“Chief Flatau is the right leader for this moment,” said Chief Stauffiger. “I’m pleased to support a smooth transition and trust the department will continue to excel under his guidance.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as chief and work with the men and women of the Town of Tonawanda Police Department,” Chief-designate Flatau said. “I am honored to be entrusted with this position and will work every day to strike a balance between community relations and enforcing the law.”
A United States Marine Corps combat veteran, the chief-designate was deployed to Iraq in 2005, serving as an infantry sergeant in Al Anbar Province. Among his awards were the Combat Action Ribbon and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He was assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, a Marine Corps Reserve infantry unit based in Buffalo.
“I want to thank Chief Stauffiger who is a forward-thinking chief who streamlined and modernized department operations. He laid a great foundation for today’s need for transparency, policy and procedures, and record keeping. I wish him the very best in retirement,” Chief-designate Flatau said.
In taking this new assignment, Supervisor Emminger and Chief-designate Flatau wanted to be open about the past.
While off duty on Dec. 29, 2018, when he was a lieutenant, Chief-designate Flatau was arrested by a Niagara County Sheriff deputy in the Town of Wheatfield after hitting a mailbox on Nash Rd. He was charged with DWI, failing to obey a traffic device, and failing to use the right lane. He later entered a guilty plea to driving while ability impaired and fined $560. His driver’s license was suspended, and he was placed on 12 months’ probation. The Tonawanda Police Department placed him on administrative leave for 30 days, the maximum amount of discipline allowed.
“I am still ashamed of my poor decision-making that night. It was an extremely humbling experience that has never left me. It has reaffirmed that we in law enforcement are held to a higher standard,” he said. “Based on my experience, I am able to explain how serious drinking and driving is, especially when it comes to a police officer. The officers saw what I went through, and it reaffirmed their understanding the gravity of drinking and driving.”
Chief-designate Flatau went through a Victim Impact Panel which he said was very eye opening. “I heard stories from family members who were affected by drunk drivers. It was gut wrenching to listen to. No one is above the law. I understand the consequences and my experience seven years ago has made me a better person, a better police officer, and a better leader.”
“When he was pulled over, he immediately took accountability and responsibility for his actions,” Supervisor Emminger said. “He didn’t ask for special treatment. I know he has learned a valuable lesson. I strongly believe in giving people second chances.”
Chief-designate Flatau is a lifelong town resident. His wife, Mary Beth, is a teacher in the Ken-Ton School district. They have two teenage children.