On Wednesday, May 28, 2025 the Saugerties Police Department was honored at the Ulster County Police Chief's Association Awards Banquet for two investigations during 2024.  Both investigations led to our recipients being recognized for Meritorious Police Service - Team Investigation.

Meritorious Police Service – Team Investigation Award

On August 24, 2024, members from the Saugerties Police Department responded to a residence in the Barclay Heights area of the Saugerties following a report of two missing children (15- year-old male and a 16-year-old female). The two missing were not immediately located and the investigation was turned over to the next shift.

During the course of the ongoing investigation, information was obtained that the missing children may be with an adult male operating a pick-up truck. Both Sergeant Kolts (then Officer Kolts) and Deputy Farcher (then Officer Farcher) searched nearby hotels/motels and located a pick-up truck matching the description; a search of the motel resulting in locating the owner of the pickup truck. During the interview Sgt. Kolts and Off. Farcher observed a male and female matching the description of the missing children. After locating the children, Detective Hampel responded and continued the investigation. 

Resulting from the investigation, both children were recovered and the adult male was charged with two counts Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, Rape in the 3rd Degree, Sexual Abuse in the 3rd Degree, and Criminal Sexual Act in the 3rd Degree. 

Meritorious Police Service – Team Investigation Award

On January 10, 2024, members responded to a hit and run motor vehicle accident on State Route 9w in the Town of Saugerties, hamlet of Malden. Once on scene, it was discovered that a 22-year-old female had been struck and killed while walking with a male friend. The vehicle that struck the female continued southbound on Rt. 9w from the scene, with no discernible description.

After a nearly two-month long investigation, executing several search warrants, a warrant of arrest was issued for the operator for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a death. In addition, both the female operator and her husband were charged with insurance fraud, staging a motor vehicle accident, and tampering with evidence. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that the couple staged an accident in the Town of Catskill in an attempt at a coverup.

In November 2024 following a plea deal, the operator was sentenced to 2 1/3 years for leaving the scene and 1 1/3 to 4 years for insurance fraud and her husband received 3 years’ probation.

The Saugerties Police Department, New York State Police, and Ulster County District Attorney’s Office each received an award for their efforts in the investigation, arrest, and prosecution.

Congratulations to all the recipients and area law enforcement agencies, their timeless dedication helps keep our community and Ulster County a wonderful place to live and visit.