After forty years in the Ellenville Police Department, Phil Mattracion finished his last shift and took one final walk out the door of the police station at Elting Court.

Waiting for the chief outside were a crowd of well-wishers including County Sheriff Juan Figueroa with an honor guard of deputies, Ellenville Mayor Evan Trent, County Executive Jen Metzger, Wawarsing Town Supervisor Joe Stoeckeler, as well as former mayor Jeff Kaplan and many others.

This was the final act in a long career that began when he was an officer in the 1990s and continued on after he became chief in 2002.

Trent presented a proclamation honoring Mattracion.

“Throughout his tenure, Chief Mattracion has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the safety, security and wellbeing of the people of Ellenville, serving with professionalism, integrity, compassion and commitment,” Trent read.

It went to state that the chief “has led the Ellenville Police Department through changing times and countless challenges, having both experienced the joys of serving but also tragic and profound loss in the line of duty, all while earning the respect of his fellow officers, municipal employees, community leaders, and generations of Ellenville residents.”

All leading to “Now, Therefore, Be it Proclaimed” that the mayor, on behalf of all the residents of the village, honors Mattraction, declaring him a “Son of Ellenville.” Even though Mattracion grew up over in Highland, his four decades of service in Ellenville has made him an Ellenvillian.

Mattracion’s wife, Ann, was also on hand, during what was clearly an emotional moment for them both. She recounted some of the stresses and anguish involved in being chief of police. “Through it all, you forged ahead and did the best job you could do even after resources were cut time and time again.”

Her pride rang out as she concluded: “Today, I say to you, come home, babe. Your watch is over, you have served, you have given your all and you have earned the right to come home.”