The Town of Haverstraw Police Department formally dedicated its Detective Bureau in memory of Detective Hector L. Soto, honoring his decades of service to the community, country, and department.
Detective Soto, remembered as a “gentle giant,” served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War before embarking on a 36-year career with the Haverstraw Police Department. Beyond law enforcement, he was a Town Councilman and a tireless advocate for his community, known for his kindness, humor, and unwavering commitment to others.
The dedication ceremony, attended by elected officials, family, friends, and former colleagues, highlighted Soto’s remarkable impact both professionally and personally. Officials noted that naming the Detective Bureau in his honor is a fitting tribute to a man whose life embodied service and sacrifice.
Supervisor Howard Phillips, the Town Board, and community leaders joined in thanking all who made the dedication possible. The newly named bureau now stands as a permanent reminder of Detective Soto’s legacy of justice, compassion, and leadership.
