Mid Hudson Times Feb. 22 2017

NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION FIRST-PLACE AWARD FOR GENERAL EXCELLENCE , 2016
Vol . 29 , No 8 FEBRUARY 22 - 28 , 2017 3 3 ONE DOLLAR

MID

HUDSON

TIMES

Valentine ’ s Day

Page 24

Newburgh swimmers 2nd

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SERVING NEWBURGH AND NEW WINDSOR

Cameron

Black History Committee honors 4 to retire in March

By SHANTAL RILEY sriley @ tcnewspapers . com
Former City of Newburgh Police Chief Dan Cameron is stepping down to retire . After serving 20 years on the city police force , his last day will be March 10 .
Cameron was appointed acting police chief in 2015 , following the retirement of city Police Chief Michael Ferrara . Lieutenant Richard Carrion will take his place as lieutenant in charge when he departs next month . “ I have full confidence in his abilities ,” Cameron said .
Cameron spoke with the Mid Hudson Times this month about his decision to retire from law enforcement .
20 years with the department
“ Timing is everything ,” he said . “ I was offered something in the private sector . I needed to take the offer while I had it . I had to make a choice .”
When asked what position he was taking , he wouldn ’ t say . “ I have another skill set I ’ m taking advantage of ,” said Cameron , a licensed , commercial pilot .
The job offer came right around the same time an open police-chief exam was offered by the Newburgh Civil Service Commission . Ignoring the requests of city officials and calls from city residents , the commission had refused to offer Cameron a promotional path to the permanent position of police chief .
Cameron was a lieutenant at the time Ferrara retired . Cameron , who has
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Roxy Royal was one of four elders to be honored at a Black History Committee of the Hudson Valley event held at Best Temple Church this month .
By SHANTAL RILEY sriley @ tcnewspapers . com
The Black History Committee of the Hudson Valley paid tribute to four City of Newburgh elders at Best Temple Church last week . Eddie B . Best , Lillam Harris , Roxy Royal and Rev . Dr . Coleman Briggs were honored at an inspirational church service , held during the Black History Month of February .
“ For sixty-years plus , you have been fighting the good fight in our community ,” said committee Executive Counsel Tiombe Tallie Carter , speaking to the honorees . “ We would spin off our rails if we didn ’ t have these people .”
Eddie B . Best The first honoree was Best Temple
Church elder Eddie B . Best . Born in
Batesville , Mississippi , she moved to Newburgh with her family in 1948 .
The family joined Best Temple Church and Eddie worked in a coat factory and as a domestic for a time . She married James L . Best in 1952 . The couple had six children .
“ She labored in ministry for more than 55 years ,” the committee states .
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