Putnam Sheriff Issues Statement on the Passing of James O’neill

Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith issues the following statement regarding the death of Mr. James O’Neill of East Fishkill, and formerly of Lake Carmel, on July 17, 2016:

“The men and women of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and Correctional Facility mourn the death of James O’Neill and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Kathy, his son James Jr., and the entire O’Neill family.

“Jimmy served in the NYPD and retired as detective squad supervisor. He was President of the FOP Stephen P. Driscoll Lodge in Putnam County. In fact, he was the driving force in establishing a new Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in the memory of fallen 9/11 NYPD Officer Stephen P. Driscoll.

“Jimmy O’Neill was an icon in the police community–he was the consummate ‘cop’s cop’. He not only devoted himself to his own career as a police officer and detective, but even after his retirement he devoted himself in so many ways to helping other officers and their families in their times of need. From arranging funerals of fallen officers and heading fundraisers for their families, to gathering support for the building of police memorials, to assisting lawmakers in enacting pro-law enforcement legislation, Jimmy worked tirelessly and selflessly to champion causes that were important to police officers and emergency first responders. Thanks to Jimmy’s efforts, our communities are better and safer places today.

“Many times, Jimmy O’Neill insured that the families of fallen members of law enforcement were properly taken care of and received comfort. It is now our sad and sacred honor and duty to insure that his family is embraced and comforted by our law enforcement family.”