Detective Michael Cruger of the Haverstraw Police Department has officially retired, concluding a distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement—20 of those years spent serving the residents of Haverstraw.
Cruger began his public safety career at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, where he worked for a decade as a Correctional Officer and served as a member of the elite Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT). In 2005, he joined the Haverstraw Police Department, initially assigned to patrol, and quickly became a Field Training Officer, mentoring countless new recruits.
In 2013, Cruger was promoted to the rank of Detective, where he led numerous high-profile investigations and gained a reputation for his meticulous work, professionalism, and compassionate approach to law enforcement. Colleagues describe him as a mentor and leader whose impact will be felt for years to come.
Cruger’s retirement marks the end of an era for the department, with fellow officers and community members alike expressing deep appreciation for his decades of service and dedication to public safety.
As one of the department’s most respected figures, Detective Cruger leaves behind a lasting legacy of commitment and integrity.

