JOSEPH WASSER Monticello, N.Y Joseph Wasser, the longest serving Sheriff in the history of Sullivan, died on Thursday, October 28, 2004 in Arden Hill Hospital, Goshen. He was 83. During nearly a half century of public service, Joseph Wasser, distinguished himself through his leadership and accomplishments on a local, state and national level. Sheriff, New York State Commissioner, Magistrate, Town Board Member, Public Servant -- in each role he has excelled, in each capacity he has shown devotion and caring which singularly characterizes his life. As the longest serving Sheriff in the history of Sullivan County, he, for 20 years, dedicated himself to the citizens of his community, at the same time becoming a major leader statewide for progressive law enforcement and criminal justice issues. His professional achievements have brought honor and distinction to Sullivan County and to the Sheriff's Office. First elected Sheriff in 1971, his service in that office was interrupted by a call from Governor Hugh Carey, who selected Joe to serve as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections, a post he held for 6 years. During that tenure, he was a forceful advocate for improvements in the statewide correctional system, emphasizing police training and modern approaches to penal institutions. Returning to Sullivan County, he was once again elected to the Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Wasser's impact on law enforcement has had wide ranging effects throughout the state, and nation. As a member of the Executive Committee of New York State Sheriff's Association and as Chairman of its Legislative Committee, he has authored and persuasively guided through the Legislature numerous laws which will impact the character of our criminal justice system for years to come. A graduate of the FBI Executive School, he is a former chairman and present member of the New York State Municipal Police Training Council Division of Criminal Justice and a recipient of numerous awards in this field, including the Times Herald Police Honor Award in 1973-74 and 1974-75, the New York State Sheriff's Association "Friend of Law Enforcement Award" in 1982, and the Gorowitz Institute on Terrorism and Estremism Award in 1990. He was currently on the Advisory Board of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and was a member of the Governor's Upstate Council. Joe began his career in public service nearly 50 years ago. After serving in the U.S. Army Adjutant General's Office during World War II and rising to 1st Lieutenant and later Captain in the Reserves, Joe returned to Sullivan County and was elected Magistrate of the Town of Thompson and a member of the Thompson Town Board. He served as Magistrate for over 19 years and as a town board member for 12. Joe's entire life has been marked by a strong bond with his community, even during the period when he was serving in Albany as a member of the Governor's cabinet. Active in the continued welfare and growth of Sullivan County, Joe has held various positions in charitable and civic organizations almost too numerous to mention, including past president of the Sullivan County Magistrates Association, past president of the Monticello Kiwanis Club, past vice-president of the Community General Hospital, membership in the Monticello Fire Department, Monticello Elk's Lodge, Masons, American Legion, Jewish War Veterans, Deborah Hospital, City of Hope, United Cerebral Palsy Association, Association for Retarded Children, the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society where he continues to serve as a member of the Board of Directors. During such a long and distinguished career of public service and achievement, Joe Wasser has always proceeded with an unselfish caring and devotion to the people around him and the public he serves. In a career of unparalleled excellence, it is his warmth and caring ultimately which has endeared him to so many friends. He has earned the respect and admiration of people throughout the community, the state and the nation and he leaves a legacy of achievement not soon duplicated. Mr. Wassar was predeceased by his wife of over 45 years, Ethel Apter. He is survived by one son, Martin of Manhattan; a daughter, Ellen Golnick of Monticello; a sister, Helen Kutsher of Monticello; a granddaughter, Laurie Guzzinati and her husband, Michele; and a great-granddaughter, Giulia; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 31, 2004 at noon in the Landfield Ave. Synagogue, Landfield Ave., Monticello. Rabbi Ben Zion Chanowitz will officiate. Burial will be in the Landfield Ave. Cemetery, Monticello. Donations in Joe's memory may be made to a charity of ones choice. Funeral arrangements by Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home Inc., Monticello. --------SPECIAL NOTE------- Sheriff Joseph Wasser was honored by the United States House of Representatives. See Text of comments below. HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY in the House of Representatives SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1997 * Mr. HINCHEY: "Mr. Speaker, I would like to take just a moment to congratulate Joe Wasser upon his retirement at the end of this year. Joe has served as Sheriff of Sullivan County up in my district for the past 20 years. But that alone far from captures the breadth and depth of his service to the public. Joe has served as a wonderful role model to us all by being not only a very fine public servant but also a plain old-fashioned good citizen. Joe's many achievements truly are too numerous to mention, but with this session of Congress winding to a close I just wanted to say congratulations to him and wish him many more years of happiness and good health."