Town of Newburgh Police Detective Christopher Michael Thompson, who died Aug. 8 after a battle with cancer, was remembered Thursday by family, fellow law enforcement officers, firefighters and members of the community.

Thompson, 35, died surrounded by his family. Funeral services were held Aug. 13 at the Cronomer Valley Firehouse on State Route 32.

Thompson was a longtime member of the Town of Newburgh Police Department and served in numerous roles during his career. He worked in the Patrol Division and as a K-9 handler with the department’s K-9 Unit. He also served as a firearms instructor with the Firearms Unit, a general topics instructor and a team leader on the department’s Tactical Unit.

Most recently, Thompson served as an investigator in the Detective Bureau.
His commitment to the department and community was recognized after his death. On Aug. 10, the Town of Newburgh Town Board unanimously voted to promote Thompson to the rank of sergeant.

Following Thursday’s service, a motorcade led by motorcycle units from the region and beyond traveled west on State Route 32, then south on State Route 300. The procession made a stop at the Town of Newburgh Police Department before continuing to Cedar Hill Cemetery, where Thompson was laid to rest.

Thompson’s death was also felt within the department’s K-9 Unit. His former K-9 partner, Durak, predeceased him.

Thompson is survived by his wife, Erin M. DeGraw of Newburgh; his mother, Carol Green of New Hampton; mother-in-law Sharon DeGraw of Newburgh; sister-in-law Tara (Robert J.) Falco; brother-in-law Evan (Allison) DeGraw; his father-in-law’s fiancee, Christina Dorrmann; uncle Hass Hassan and aunt Kelly Hassan; and cousins Ryan and Tyler (Clarice), along with their children, Scarlett and James.

He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Andrew “Andy” DeGraw, and Durak, his K-9 partner.

The funeral procession Thursday reflected the breadth of Thompson’s service to the Town of Newburgh, with members of law enforcement and other emergency services joining family and friends to honor a detective whose career included patrol work, specialized police operations, training and investigations.