The Riverhead Police Department bade a fond farewell yesterday to longtime Det. Frank Hernandez III, who retired from the town police force after 31 years of service.
Hernandez was appointed to the force in January 1988. He served as a sector operator, a foot patrolman, a desk officer and officer in the street crime unit. He became an investigator in the town attorney’s office assigned to a special code enforcement detail and was a member of the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force. Hernandez was promoted to detective in December 1997. He was named the town’s employee of the year in 2003.
Members of the town board and the chief of police joined officers past and present outside police headquarters yesterday to salute Hernandez as he took the ceremonial last walk out of the building.
Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith congratulated the Hernandez and thanked him for his service and commitment to the Town of Riverhead.
Chief David Hegermiller said Hernandez was always “a true gentleman and a true professional.”
Police Officer Dennis Cavanagh shared some history and anecdotes about Hernandez’s time on the force.
“He earned the respect of his fellow officers and the community. He was always steady — a steady friend to a lot of people,” Cavanagh said. “This is a tough loss for the Riverhead Police Department,” he said.
Turning to the detective he said, “Frank you are officially retired from active duty. I love ya, God bless ya, say goodbye to your pals.”
Hernandez thanked his friends and fellow officers.
“You become a family,” he noted. “To see you all here today, it means so much.”
Following a formal salute, Hernandez walked down the steps and into the parking lot, greeting each of his fellow officers lined up on either side of the walkway.
“It’s been a pleasure working with the guys. I’m going to miss them very much,” he said afterward. Hernandez reflected on the bond shared by police officers.
“Everybody stands together. It’s a tough job at times,” he said. “You handle a lot of things that normal people shouldn’t see. We support each other. We are truly like a family.”
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