Two staples of the Town of Crawford Police Department retired recently in Officer Robert Turner and Sergeant John Avery.

Robert Turner
Turner started his career in law enforcement with the New York State Police in 1983, where he served nearly 30 years. He was a member of the Town of Crawford Police Department for the last four years and was assigned as a school resource officer (SRO) at Pine Bush Elementary School.

“It was one of the best decisions I made going to the Town of Crawford because the PD is excellent for it to be so small,” Turner said. “And I fell in love with the kids at PBE also. I love the community there.”

Some of Turner’s favorite memories of working as a Crawford police officer were at PBE. Turner loved working with the staff at PBE, as they truly care about the children. He enjoyed seeing children grow over the years as well as their parents.

“Everybody had the same goal and that was getting that child through whatever problems that they had,” Turner said.

During his retirement Turner plans on moving to Dover, Delaware. Crawford Chief of Police Dominick Blasko thanked him for his service.

“He was instrumental in reestablishing our SRO program and he will be missed by all,” Blasko wrote on the department’s Facebook page. “Sir Robert, your Crawford PD family wish you a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

John Avery
Avery retired from the Crawford Police Department after 25 years of service.

After starting his career in law enforcement as a part-time patrolman in the Village of Ellenville, Avery began working for the Crawford Police Department in 1996. He began as a part-time patrolman in Crawford and eventually was hired as a full-time police officer before being promoted to sergeant.

Avery chose to pursue a career in law enforcement because he loves being involved in his community. Avery loves the sense of community in the Town of Crawford.
“It’s never just one person’s problem,” he said. “When something happens within the community everybody pulls together and does what they can to make it better.”
Avery is retiring from the department because he feels it is his time. He moved to Pennsylvania and is doing forestry for the state.

Blasko commended Avery for his accomplishments throughout his career in Crawford.

“Sgt. Avery’s accomplishments are too long to list but he leaves as one of the most decorated and important members in the 50-year history of the department,” he said on the department’s Facebook page. “During his career, he was involved in every aspect of the department and excelled in training police officers in the department and throughout the county.”

The chief of police also wished Avery a happy retirement.
“Sgt. Avery your dedication and commitment to law enforcement, the Crawford PD and the Crawford Community is appreciated,” Blasko posted on the department’s Facebook page. “We are all better because of you. Your Crawford PD family wishes you a long, happy and healthy retirement.”