Making the community a safe place

Rockland Council honors Police Chief Boucher, Detective Neal, Officer Smith

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 9:00pm

    ROCKLAND — “If you can’t tell, I’m a huge fan of the police department,” said Councilor Amelia Magjik. “I thank you so much for your service and all that you have done for the community, long before I was here, in making it the safe place that it is now.”

    During the November Rockland City Council meeting, Wednesday, Nov. 14, councilors presented plaques and certificates of commendation to newly retired Rockland Police Chief Bruce Boucher and still-serving Detective Sergeant Joel Neal. Each have served with the force for more than a decade.

    “It is a testament to the police department in general that people are willing to stay that long,” said Councilor Ed Glaser.

    Glaser told members of the audience that he’s known Boucher for most of Boucher’s 13 years with Rockland.

    “I can’t imagine a better chief of police to work with, certainly from the harbor standpoint,” Glaser said. “He was always willing to help, as were all of his police officers.”

    Councilor Lisa Westkaemper listed Boucher’s attributes as integrity, intelligence, and commitment. In addition to those attributes, come Magjik’s list of guidance, care, and respect.

    “He is just an excellent guy,” Councilor Adam Ackor said.

    Det. Sgt. Neal has risen through the Rockland police ranks since his initial orientation 20 years ago.

    Mayor Valli Geiger said: “I am so well aware of the work you do in terms of looking to find, and make sure we can convict, pedophiles in our community. I know that that takes a tremendous toll on somebody to have to do that work. To do that research. To find the things that you find.”

    Said Ackor, “Congratulations, 20 years is really an achievement, and we’re lucky to have such a great force in Rockland.”

    Officer William K. Smith, who was not in attendance, was also recognized for the 22 years he served prior to retirement.

     

    Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com

     

    RESOLVE Commendation - Bruce Boucher

    BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AS FOLLOWS:

    THAT Bruce Boucher is hereby commended and congratulated for 13 years of service to the City of Rockland as Chief of the Rockland Police Department

    AND, be it further Resolved that a Plaque and a Certificate of Commendation be presented to Chief Boucher as a token of the City's appreciation for his years of service on the occasion of his retirement, and the City Council wishes him well in his future endeavors.

    Sponsor: City Council Originator: City Council

     

    RESOLVE Commendation – Joel Neal

    BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AS FOLLOWS:

    THAT Joel Neal is hereby commended and congratulated for 20 years of service to the City of Rockland as a member of the Rockland Police Department.

    AND, be it further Resolved that a Plaque and a Certificate of Commendation be presented to Det. Sgt. Neal as a token of the City's appreciation for his years of service to the Community.

    Sponsor: City Council Originator: City Council

     

     

    RESOLVE Commendation - William Smith

    BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AS FOLLOWS:

    William K. Smith is hereby commended and congratulated for 22 years of service to the City of Rockland as a member of the Rockland Fire and Police Departments.

    AND, be it further Resolved that a Plaque and a Certificate of Commendation be presented to Officer Smith as a token of the City's appreciation for his years of service on the occasion of his retirement, and the City Council wishes him well in his future endeavors.

    Sponsor: City Council Originator: City Council