Village honors officers who made a difference
By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — The entire Village of Goshen Police Department came to the April 27 village board meeting to support fellow officers who were being honored.
In recognition of National Police Week, Police Chief James Watt was on hand to present awards to three officers to commemorate them for their outstanding police work.
“It is my honor and privilege to name Sgt. David Conklin and Detective Ryan W. Rich as the Village of Goshen Police Department’s ‘Officers of the Year for Exceptional Duty in 2014,’” said Chief James Watt.
The officers were commended for excellent police work in handling two incidents, both involving the elderly.
On Oct. 20, 2013, the officers investigated a home burglary. Through securing surveillance camera footage and recovering DNA evidence, a positive DNA match was made to Brooklyn resident, Darin J. Schillinger, a paroled burglar with multiple felony convictions.
With assistance from New York State Police and New York City Parole officers, Det. Rich arrested Schillinger in Brooklyn on April 1. On Dec. 14, Schillinger pled guilty in Orange County Court to second-degree burglary and was sentenced to 3 1/2 to 15 years in prison.
In the second incident, Sgt. Conklin and Detective Rich investigated a house fire in which an 81-year-old resident was found dead. Working with Orange County Fire Investigators and the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office, they determined that the woman had been murdered during a burglary and the fire had been intentionally set in an attempt to cover up the crime. They continued their investigation with the New York State Police and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for 30 straight hours and arrested two suspects for multiple counts of murder, burglary and arson.
Jennifer P. Molyneaux, pled guilty to second-degree murder in Orange County Court and is awaiting sentencing. The second suspect, Devin A. Giordano, is currently incarcerated and awaiting trial on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree burglary, and first-degree arson.
Said Chief Watt, “Sgt. Conklin’s and Det. Rich’s investigative skill and dogged determination in both of these cases directly resulted in the apprehension of three dangerous criminals who victimized our elderly citizens. The investigation of these cases and arrest of these individuals helped to restore a sense of security to our community and has brought some sense of closure to the victims and their families.”
Giraldi completes 20 years
Chief Watt also honored Matthew E. Giraldi for completing 20 years of service in law enforcement. His accomplished career began in 1994 as a corrections officer with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. In 2000, he transferred to the road division as a Deputy Sheriff where he served as a member of the Emergency Services Unit and as an instructor in firearms, defensive tactics and chemical agents.
In 2003, Giraldi transferred to the Village Police Department. In addition to his patrol duties, he uses his prior experience to serve as a department firearms, defensive tactics, and chemical agents instructor and commands the department color guard during ceremonial events.
He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, having received an Honorable Discharge as a Lance Corporal. His military achievements include the Good Conduct Medal, Expert Rifle Award, Overseas Ribbon, Meritorious Mast and Heavy Vehicle Operators Course Award.
Giraldi received his GED from the University of the State of New York, his Associates in Applied Sciences Criminal Justice degree from Rockland County Community College, and his Bachelors of Science degree, with academic honors, in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology and a Paralegal Certificate from Marist College.
He has a son Matthew, 15, who is a student athlete at Clarkstown South High School.
Mayor Kyle Roddey thanked Police Chief Watt and the entire police department for coming to the meting. He added, “Thanks to this hard-working, intelligent force we know we’re being protected. The entire department is here — that shows the camaraderie of our police department.”