Orangetown Honors Local Hero

On the evening of February 10th the town board of Orangetown honored the town’s first African-American police officer, Courtney F. Smith. Smith, who passed away in 2015, was a trail blazer and beloved member of the Nyack and Orangetown community. For the ceremony, Teresa Kenny read out a proclamation honoring Courtney Smith and members of his family, including his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, were given an opportunity to speak and remember their family patriarch. 

Born February 10, 1938, Courtney Smith was a dedicated civil servant. Throughout his 23 years with the South Nyack Police Department, he built community, kept people safe, and inspired the next generation of police officers in Rockland County. During his time as an officer, he also helped to found the Westchester/Rockland Guardians, an organization built for police officers of color in order to help address the needs of specific communities, creating positive relationships between police and the communities they serve. 

A portion of South Broadway between Cornelison Ave and Clinton Ave will now be named “Courtney Smith Way” in his honor. A ceremony to dedicate the street and put up a new sign will be held on February 21st on South Broadway with a reception to follow at the Nyack Center. Attendance is free, but organizers ask that those looking to attend RSVP in advance. 

The previous night saw Teresa Kenny address the people of Orangetown and Rockland in response to her comments made on February 1st at Congressman Mike Lawler’s town hall. This is Kenny’s second statement on the matter, with her previous post on social media addressing her comment being criticized as not a true apology. In this statement, Kenny spoke on how she has used this controversy as a learning experience. She stated that she has since met with NAACP Mid-Hudson Regional Director, Nicole Hines as well as Pastor Brendan McLoughlin of the St. Charles AME Zion Church located in Sparkill to continue learning and growing as a Supervisor.  

During the public comments portion of the meeting, many residents of Orangetown came up to the podium to confront Kenny about her comment, though others defended her and stated their belief that the outrage was overblown. The overwhelming message being given by speakers was one of forgiveness, but not without accountability. Nicole Hines also spoke publicly at the meeting about her private conversation with Kenny. She said that she believes in accountability and second chances, and that she desires meaningful change and action from Kenny moving forward. Following the public comments, Supervisor Kenny reiterated her apology from the previous night, promising growth and reconciliation. She stated her belief that good can come out of this bad situation.

The meeting adjourned in memory of Paraic Charles of Blauvelt and Deputy Supervisor Denis Troy of Pearl River. Troy, who passed away on Friday, February 6th, and was a beloved member of the Orangetown community who will be missed by many. All members of the town board spoke on their experience with Troy and his integral role in the Town of Orangetown and Rockland County governments. The OMM fields were renamed in Troy’s honor before his passing, enshrining his legacy in Orangetown for future generations.