The new Mid-Hudson office of the FBI, adjacent to Stewart International Airport, was dedicated Thursday to the memory of Leonard Hatton, an FBI agent who was killed when he responded to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Hatton’s wife and son, Leonard Jr. were present at the dedication ceremony. Leonard Jr. also is an FBI agent.
Speakers at the ceremony talked of partnerships between the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local police agencies.
Diego Rodriguez, the assistant director-in-charge of the FBI’s New York Division, said those relationships make a difference when fighting terrorism and crime.
“In light of recent events throughout the country and around the world, our operational partnerships have never been more important than they are now to protect our communities,” Rodriguez said. “This building, in the geographical center in our area of responsibility, will help facilitate our efforts to better serve our community here in the Hudson Valley.”
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said the mission of law enforcement in this area goes beyond national security issues.
“As we all know too well, terrorism is not the only threat to this all-important area.” Bharara said. “Unfortunately, for the past couple of decades, gangs and drug dealers have tried to make the nearby city of Newburgh their home. And they have committed brutal acts of murder against rival gang members and anyone else who stands in their way. There have been murders and shootings and stabbings and assaults.”
Bharara renewed his commitment to keep the heat on Newburgh and other crime-ridden areas of the region.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, Sullivan County District Attorney James Farrell and Orange County Undersheriff Kenneth Jones all reaffirmed that partnerships among the FBI and local law enforcement are a key to solving crimes in the region.
The new FBI office, which replaces a smaller office in Goshen, will serve Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan and Rockland counties.
