Crime Scene

Terry Hutmacher has left the building – the Orangetown police station.

After nearly 35 years as a patrol officer, detective and lieutenant. Hutmacher retired Friday.

Aside from being an integral part of numerous major investigations, Hutmacher was one of the county’s original hostage negotiators, as part of the team established in Orangetown several decades ago.

The usually modest Hutmacher remained so in a short interview today. He preferred to speak about his colleagues more than himself. He also had the duty of being one of the department’s public information officer, dealing with reporters for several years.

“During my career, especially in the detective bureau, I was fortunate to be surrounded by talented and dedicated investigators,” Hutmacher said. “Not only in my own department, but in other law enforcement agencies across the county. The key was a team effort.”

Hutmacher, who is married with three children, leaves behind many colleagues, including his son who is an Orangetown police officer. He and Detective Lt. John McAndrew had worked together their whole careers – and were friends prior to police work. They played baseball together. They went to the police academy together and served in the National Guard together.

They both play golf.

“Terry is very dedicated, intense and efficient,” McAndrew said. “On a personal level, he is my friend and one of the finest people I know.”

The Orangetown Town Board is moving quickly to promote a sergeant to lieutenant to succeed Hutmacher to lead patrol. A meeting is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. The top three contenders, based on civil service scores, are Joseph Holihan, Michael Moroney, and Sean Russo. The board must choose from the top three finishers on the exam.

Moroney, the son of Rockland Legislature Patrick Moroney, R-Pearl River, has the inside track among the Town Board members to become lieutenant.

Police Chief Kevin Nulty was away on vacation this week. Supervisor Thom Kleiner said Nulty’s recommendation to the Town Board on which sergeant should be promoted was confidential. While Holihan has the most experience of the three sergeants and has been passed over for lieutenant before, Kleiner said all three candidates are worthy and the chief’s recommendation mirrored that.

Also during tomorrow’s meeting, Officer Christopher Stratner is expected to be promoted to sergeant and two people will be hired as police officers. A promotional ceremony with the police pomp and circumstance will be held in September.