By Lourice Angie
The Warwick Town Board held a special promotion presentation before the start of their regularly scheduled meeting on Thurs., Feb 11. Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton made a motion to the Board to adopt a resolution to promote police officer Michael Moon to the rank of Detective.
Warwick Police Chief Tom McGovern opened the special promotion joined by Lieutenant John Rader. Officer Moon’s wife, Dimitra, was called to join them in front of the room. Chief McGovern recognized Officer Moon’s many years of service saying that he came to the Warwick PD in 2005 after serving the NYPD. Moon is a motorcycle officer, firearms instructor and a main component of the street crime and narcotics unit in Warwick for the last 12 years.
“He’s done an outstanding job and I have no reservations whatsoever about saying what a great guy he is and a great cop he is. He’s always there when we need him and I envision he will continue his pursuit of drug dealers and people killing local residents with the poison that they’re polluting us with in the community,” said Chief McGovern.
The newly appointed Detective Moon, was then congratulated by members of the Town Board before taking several celebratory photos with his family.
“While the Town does not have a huge police department, the officers that dedicate themselves to helping save residents within the community are tremendous and a great asset to our Town so we congratulate all of you, especially Detective Moon,” said Sweeton.
Executive Order 203
Last year in June, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued Executive Order 203 which ordered police municipalities to review and update all of their policies and procedures along with local stakeholders so that they were fair and embraced by all community members.
The Town embarked upon those orders with two panel sessions and solicited public comment through email and/or written correspondence. The Order requires the head of the Chief Executive Officer and the head of the police agency to put a plan together based on the input of the panel and present a draft to the public in that manner.
The draft plan will be available to the public on the Town’s website on Wed., Feb 17. The public will have the opportunity to comment by written request or by sending an email or join a meeting on the matter via Zoom virtual meeting on Tues., March 9 at 7 p.m. A link to the meeting will be posted on the Town website. Comments and further comments from the panel will be incorporated in the plans and submitted to the Governor by April.
“We look forward to continuing the process and look forward to improving our department where we can and completing the task the Governor has given us,” said Sweeton.
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Supervisor Sweeton described New York State’s COVID-19 distribution efforts as a struggle and a disaster. The State has funneled appointments throughout their websites and many people have not been able to schedule or find availability.
The State is now starting to expand and Sweeton says that according to Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, the issue is progressing daily. Appointments are needed. Visit orangecountygov.com and click on the yellow box to register and make an appointment.
Sweeton urges everyone to continue wearing their masks and be cautious as it has proven to be effective. He also said that COVID-19 cases in Orange County are going down, and in Warwick numbers have been going down.
Next Town Board Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thurs., Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, located at 132 Kings Hwy. in Warwick. A Zoom link to the meeting will be posted on the Town website at www.townofwarwick.org.
Town of Warwick Police Officer Michael Moon was recently promoted to the rank of Detective. Pictured (from left) are: Dimitra & her husband, Det. Michael Moon, Chief Tom McGovern & Lt. John Rader.
