Hoosick Falls Police Department: A Rich History
Nestled in the charming Village of Hoosick Falls, New York, the Hoosick Falls Police Department boasts an extensive and illustrious history of dedicated service to the local community.
Dating back to its establishment in the late 1800s, the Department has consistently prioritized the preservation of law and order, as well as the safeguarding of the well-being and security of the town's esteemed residents.
Early Years (1800s)
The Hoosick Falls Police Department was established in the late 1800s, in response to the growing needs of a thriving industrial town. During this era, the primary focus of the department was on maintaining peace and order within the town limits. The early police force consisted of a small number of officers who patrolled the streets on foot, bicycle, or horseback.
By a special act of the Legislature passed March 19,1888, a police force was established in the Village, regulated and governed by a board of police commissioners.
Modernization and Growth (1900s - 1990s)
As the village's population grew and the need for a more professionalized police force emerged, the department transitioned to using motorized vehicles, enabling officers to respond more swiftly to emergencies. During the 1960s, the Hoosick Falls Police Department underwent a period of modernization and reform. The force adopted new technologies, including two-way radios and early computer systems, which greatly improved communication and operational efficiency for the officers.
In the subsequent decades, the department went through significant growth in response to the village's changing needs. More officers were hired, and specialized divisions were established to address emerging challenges, such as the expansion of drug enforcement and the rise in white-collar crime. The department also invested in training programs to ensure that officers stayed updated with modern policing techniques and community policing principles.
Community Engagement and Partnerships (2000s - Present)
In the 21st century, the Hoosick Falls Police Department embraced a community-oriented approach, focusing on building strong relationships with residents through active community engagement initiatives. The department initiated programs such as neighborhood watch groups, citizen police academies, and annual community events to foster trust and collaboration with the people it served.
In recent years, the department has also fostered partnerships with various community organizations, schools, and businesses to address issues like substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence. Through these partnerships, the police department has strengthened its role as a community resource, providing education, support, and intervention services alongside its core law enforcement duties.
As technology continues to advance, the Hoosick Falls Police Department keeps pace with the latest innovations to better serve the community. From implementing modern crime analysis tools to expanding its online presence, the department strives to utilize technology to enhance public safety and communicate effectively with residents.
Commitment to Excellence
Throughout its history, the Hoosick Falls Police Department has remained committed to the principles of integrity, professionalism, and service to the community. The department continually evolves to meet the ever-changing needs and challenges of Hoosick Falls, while always striving to instill a sense of safety, security, and trust for the residents it proudly serves.
Hoosick Falls Police Department Timeline
1882: The Village of Hoosick Falls did not have a police Chief, but the Town had Constables:
John McGrath, A.J. Armstrong, M. Durfee, J. Malady and Thomas Reardon.
1886: Town Chief: Anthony Brady; Police Magistrate: Charles Bates
1888: By a special act of the Legislature passed March 19,1888, a police force was established
in the Village, regulated and governed by a board of police commissioners.
1889: Chief: Thomas McMenaway (First official Police Chief); Police Commissioners: Frank Riley, John B. White, Charles C. Spencer, William H. Slocum; Police Magistrate: Elon Percey;
1891: Chief: Thomas McMenaway Police Commissioners: Frank Riley, John Gallagher, Charles C. Spencer, J. F. Quinlan; Police Magistrate: Elon Percey;
1893: Chief: Thomas McMenaway; Police Magistrate: Charles A. McCarthy;
1898: Chief: Thomas McMenaway; Police Commissioners: M.A. Murphy, James A. Beckett, Thomas B. Keefe; Police Magistrate: Elmer E. Barnes;
1901: Chief: Thomas McMenaway; Police Commissioners: Ambrose Carr, Jason A. Beckett,
Thomas B. Keefe; Police Magistrate: Charles F. Moon;
1905: Chief: Thomas McMenaway; Patrolmen: Byron Willis, Merritt Chapman, Edward McGrath;
1907: Chief: Thomas McMenaway; Patrolmen: Byron Willis, Merritt Chapman, Edward McGrath;
Police Justice: Charles F. Moon;
1908: Chief: Thomas McMenaway; Patrolmen: Byron Willis, Merritt Chapman, Edward McGrath;
1910: Chief: Thomas McMenaway; Patrolmen: Byron Willis, Edward McGrath, Michael Doyle;
1912: Chief: Thomas McMenaway; Patrolmen: Byron Willis, Edward McGrath, Michael Doyle;
1913-1919: Chief: Byron Willis Patrolmen: Edward McGrath, Michael Doyle;
1923: Chief: Byron Willis Patrolmen: James Mooney, Special Officer: Charles E. Watson;
1926: Acting Chief: James Mooney Patrolmen: John McGrath Special Officer: Charles E. Watson
1929: Acting Chief: James Mooney Patrolmen: John McGrath Special Officer: Charles E. Watson; Traffic Officer; Edward Burns;
1931: Acting Chief: James Mooney; Patrolmen: John McGrath, Edward Burns;
Special Officer: Charles E. Watson; Traffic Officer: Edward Burns;
1934: Acting Chief James Mooney; Patrolmen: John McGrath, Edward Burns;
Special Officer: Charles E. Watson; Traffic Officer: Edward Burns
1937: Chief: James Mooney; Patrolmen: John McGrath, Edward Burns;
Special Officer: Charles E. Watson; Traffic Officer: Edward Burns
1940: Chief: James Mooney; Patrolmen: John McGrath, Special Officer: Charles E. Watson;
Traffic Officer: Edward Burns;
1941: Chief: Edward Burns;
1948: Chief: Frank W. Driscoll; Patrolmen: Frank G. Demick, Norman G. Scott;
1952: Chief: Frank W. Driscoll; Patrolmen: Nathan J Case, Joseph Hayes;
1955: Chief: Frank W. Driscoll; Patrolmen: Nathan J Case, Joseph Hayes;
1957-1962: Chief: Nathan J. Case;
1963-1971: Chief: Frank J. Demick;
1972: Acting Chief: Royal Howard;
1973-1988: Chief: William Chapones; Constable William Benkowski;
1988-1998: Chief: Royal Howard;
2003-2008: Robert Whalen;
2009-2022: Robert Ashe;
2022-2023: Officer-in-Charge: Paul J. Aleksonis
2023: Chief Tim Colaneri
2024-Present: Officer-in-Charge/Sergeant John Hudson
Chief Tim Colaneri