Roxbury’s 443 Is Officially Retired

SOUTH KORTRIGHT – A former mansion proved to be the perfect backdrop for friends, neighbors, colleagues and family to say thanks and to celebrate a man who devoted most of his life to law enforcement and touched all of them along the way.

Matt Gombosi thanked all those who attended the retirement party for Stephen (Steve) Williamson on Saturday. "We are all here because we love you," he told Williamson. He and a fellow retired trooper, Brian Dengler, helped in getting the celebration together, along with Steve’s wife, Pat and others. 

There were many tributes, but Gus Pohli, one of Williamson's childhood friends, provided a nutshell of Williamson's life, his style of policing and his dedication to law enforcement over the past 56 years. "He was always on duty and he worked until the job was done. He didn’t have any particular hours or days,’ said Pohli.

Sheriff Craig DuMond, who presented Williamson with a special recognition award for his extraordinary career, said as an administrator he always tells his employees that everyone, including himself, is replaceable. “I tell them we must always be ready to have someone to step in so we can keep the lights on, no matter what. But in Steve's case, I believe he truly is irreplaceable."

He said whenever Williamson would ride with him, he would say the same thing - what a privilege it was for him to ride with the Sheriff. “Are you kidding me, I would say. I am the one who is privileged,” said DuMond, “you are the legend. Steve truly is a legend. We miss not hearing 443 being dispatched.”

He also promised to keep the mounted patrol, of which Williamson has been a constant member.

Pohli said it was the end of an era for the people of Roxbury, it will never be the same without him patrolling and they will miss 443.

Williamson thanked everyone for coming and then had his son, Josh Williamson, present plaques in recognition of those who have helped him over the years, including the Delaware County Sheriff's Department, presented to Sheriff DuMond, county fire and EMS and the county dispatchers, both plaques presented to Marc Rossley and to the New York State Police Troop C, presented to Christian Spears.

Retired state police investigators, troopers, conservation officers, fire and EMS personnel, friends, family and many others thanked Williamson for his tireless dedication, his mentorship, for having their backs and serving with integrity. 

With his retirement from the town of Roxbury now official, former town clerk, Diane Pickett, said it was time for him to enjoy his retirement and the family he left so often in order to respond to an emergency.

There were tears of gratitude, looks of admiration and smiles of joy to honor someone who is truly near and dear to the hearts of so many and served with honesty, integrity and respect.

Earlier this year, Williamson received a Lifetime Achievement Award presented jointly by the Stamford Fire Department and The Mountain Eagle newspaper. He also received a special citation from Assemblyman Chris Tague, all present at Saturday’s retirement.

Photo: An article that appeared many years ago in the Daily Star about Steve Williamson’s policing style was among the numerous plaques of honor on display commemorating his 56-year law enforcement career.