PHOENICIA – The Bridge Street bridge in Phoenicia has been dedicated as the “Sheriff Michael LaPaglia Memorial Bridge” in honor of the former Ulster County sheriff who died in May 2017.
The bridge, which crosses the Esopus Creek on County Route 40, is one of only two access routes to the Shandaken hamlet of Phoenicia.
LaPaglia’s career began in 1954 when he started his over 40 years in law enforcement as an investigator in New York City. Later he spent some 20 years with the New York Police Department, commuting back and forth daily from New York to Ulster County.
He began his service in Ulster County in 1976, serving in Ulster County Sheriff’s Office in the Special Investigation Division where he worked his way up the ranks becoming lieutenant then captain.
LaPaglia was elected sheriff for the first time in 1986; he served for three terms until 1998.
Under his leadership, the sheriff’s office achieved accreditation in 1992.
LaPaglia “dedicated his life to service, working to keep our community safe,” said County Executive Patrick Ryan. “After his over 40-year career in law enforcement, this bridge, which connects residents right into the heart of Shandaken, will remind residents and travelers of Ulster County of his enduring legacy protecting and caring for his community.”
“As sheriff, “he brought vision and change,” said Sheriff Juan Figueroa. “His accomplishments during his time as sheriff helped clear a path for increased professionalism and earned the respect of the men and women of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office.”
Figueroa said LaPaglia’s “legacy lives on.”
