To the editor:

Recently on an extremely foggy night, a large crowd of people braved the night to celebrate the pending retirements of Undersheriff Michael Badger and Sheriff Richard Cutting.

We know if we tried to thank each and every one of you in person, we would miss someone, and we do not want that.

We were humbled and honored to have such a distinguished guest list of veterans, co-workers, our Senator Betty Little, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, emcee Assemblyman Dan Stec, as well as a long list of family, friends, well-wishers and faces from the past from far and near. And the unexpected added extra of flickering power.

For a combined total of around 73 years, Undersheriff Badger and Sheriff Cutting have served the people of Essex County with pride and dedication, and we are proud of all that time and the service we have provided to our constituents.

We have seen changes such as moving from a 24-bed antiquated jail to a state-of-the-art facility that has produced over $12 million in revenue for the county. Essex County now has a modern correctional facility, a dedicated and well-trained correction and police staff and a close working relationship with the New York State Police, all to the benefit of our county.

We want to extend our sincerest of thanks to all those who made this a night to remember, especially our wives Maryann Badger and Lauri Cutting who orchestrated the event.

Thank you all once again,

Richard Cutting

Essex County sheriff

Michael Badger

Essex County undersheriff

(Soon to be retired)

Lewis