Assembly Resolution No. 684

BY: M. of A. Zebrowski

MOURNING the death of Hector Soto, loving husband,
father and grandfather, distinguished citizen, and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community, and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Hector Soto was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Hector Soto, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Hector Soto passed away peacefully on April 21, 2023, at
the age of 76; and

WHEREAS, Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico on December 27, 1946, Hector
Soto migrated to New York with his family at the age of 14; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from high school, Hector Soto joined the
United States Air Force and was trained as a military police officer at
Lackland Air Force Base; he was then assigned to Clark Air Force Base in
the Philippines, and served a tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968; and

WHEREAS, Upon his honorable discharged at the rank of Sergeant in
1970, Hector Soto began his career in law enforcement on May 31, 1971
with the Town of Haverstraw Police Department, rising through the ranks
from Patrolman to Detective to Administrative Detective; and

WHEREAS, While a member of the Town of Haverstraw Police Department,
Hector Soto received extensive training, including in Municipal Police,
Basic Training for Police, Law Enforcement Officer's Training School,
Arson Investigation, Criminal Investigation, Criminal Investigation
Advanced, Photography School, Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Homicide
Investigation, Advance Homicide Investigation, High-Intensity Drugs and
Trafficking Area School, Race Relations, New York State Police Sex
Offense School, FBI Surveillance School, and Rockland County
Intelligence Officer's CTZ-4 School; and

WHEREAS, Following his 36-year career in law enforcement, Hector
Soto retired in June 2007 and in November of the same year, was elected
as a Councilman in the Town of Haverstraw; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Hector Soto was well involved with
community organizations across Rockland County, often serving in
leadership positions, including President of the Policemen's Benevolent
Association of Rockland County, Inc., Commander of American Legion Post

No. 46, Grand Knight of the Haverstraw Knights of Columbus, President
of the Rockland County Police Hispanic Society, Co-Founder and Treasurer
of the Rockland County Detectives Association, Grand Knight and
Secretary of the Knights of Columbus, Haverstraw Council No. 581,

Founder and President of the Spanish American Bowling League, President
of the Quisqueya Sports Club, Vice President of the Haverstraw Puerto
Rican Day Festival Committee, and a member of the Haverstraw Elks Lodge
No. 877, American Legion Post No. 130, St. Peter's Church Cursillo, St.
Peter's Church Cornerstone, and St. Peter's Church; and

WHEREAS, Hector Soto is survived by his wife, Josefina Soto; son,
Hector Soto and wife Erica Soto; daughter, Jasmine Bulusan and husband
Nikko Bulusan; daughter, Erica Soto and fiance Carl Bennett; daughter,
Daphne Reynoso and husband Angel Reynoso; and eight grandchildren,
Nikko, Julian, Angel, Sophie, Caiden, Landon, Tristan and Grayson; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Hector Soto leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Hector Soto, and to express its deepest condolences
to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Hector Soto.