POUGHKEEPSIE – A wreath-laying ceremony at the Dutchess County Law Enforcement Center on Thursday marked the one-year anniversary of Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson’s passing. County Sheriff Kirk Imperati organized the ceremony as a tribute to his mentor.
Anderson passed away on September 29, 2021, at 73.
“He was a man that gave everybody chances. He was a very compassionate man; he was a very caring man. He was of a generation that ate, drank, and breathed this job. He loved this job, he loved being sheriff and he loved serving over the 300,000 residents of Dutchess County,” Imperati said., “There will never be another one like him.”
He served in law enforcement for 51 years, having started with the office he would eventually lead on December 1, 1970. In December of 2020, a large gathering at the DCSO Law Enforcement Center celebrated Anderson’s 50-year career at the sheriff’s office. He passed away less than 11 months later. The funeral service for the beloved sheriff drew hundreds of officers from police agencies both near and far for the procession (video).
Flanked by members of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) along with family and friends of Anderson, Imperati said “Butch Anderson was a man among men, women, and children – he was a man for everybody.” Fighting back emotion, Imperati, who served as Undersheriff for Anderson reminded everyone that Anderson loved the career of law enforcement and “He loved being sheriff.”
With law enforcement standing at attention, joined by cadets currently in the DCSO Corrections Officer Academy, Anderson’s widow Danielle, her daughter Olivia, and Anderson’s oldest son Jake carried a wreath to the base of the American Flag. At the same time, DCSO Chief of the Department Jason Mark sounded Taps.
The tearful widow was greeted before the ceremony by many in attendance who offered embraces and words of encouragement. Mrs. Anderson told Mid-Hudson News, “I miss him every day and my heart is broken.”
Sheriff Imperati noted that a remembrance will be held annually “to celebrate the life and legacy of Butch Anderson.”
