ROXBURY - An outpouring of love and appreciation for Constable Steve Williamson flooded the public comment period at the Roxbury Town Board meeting on March 9th.

Williamson was placed on paid administrative leave in January pending a medical examination.

Williamson told The Mountain Eagle he passed the medical exam.

Nearly twenty residents attended the March meeting in support of his reinstatement. The crowd was overwhelmingly grateful for Williamson’s 56 years of service to the community.

Residents had comments such as:

“If you call for help, Steve shows up.”

“His presence alone is enough to de-esclate a situation. I don’t know what we would do without him.”

“Steve has 50 years of service and is one of the most dedicated police officers I have ever seen in my life.”

“He was the first person I met in this community.”

“He is an asset to the community.”

“I am proud to call him my brother-in-law, and I am proud to call him my friend.”

“He saved my husband’s life.”

“He corrects problems before they happen.”

“He never said no once (to a call with the highway department) and always showed up.”

“He has saved lives. He has helped everyone in the community.”

“I feel safe knowing he is there.”

“He’s been a friend, he’s been a security blanket...” “He’s a man of action.”

“Just seeing his car there at the Sunoco station lets me know that the community around us is safe.”

“It’s our protection, we show him respect, you know we need him.”

“There is nobody like Steve, he cares for us, he cares for the town.”

In general, the attendees see Williamson as an asset, a community safety net, and someone who will not only help during an emergency but also check on those individuals after the fact.

Individuals stated that no complaints have ever been received regarding Williamson’s conduct.

Some residents commented that the board is handling these personnel matters poorly. One individual said, “I am deeply ashamed of the manner in which Constable Steven and his wife are being treated.” Others hinted that the issue was personal and unethical.

Many urged the board to either reinstate Williamson or accept his resignation, allowing him to leave with dignity. Some went further, asking that the position be filled if Williamson should retire.

Supervisor Allen Hinkley confirmed that the town received a resignation letter from Williamson.

“I have not heard a single thing I don’t agree with,” said Hinkley. He further reassured residents that the council does not, and has never had any plans to, terminate Williamson. While noting he cannot make further comment on a personnel matter, Hinkley said the town is doing its best to address a safety issue.

After Hinkley’s comments, the crowd grew slightly heated, asking why Williamson would need to turn in his car and weapon.

“You think you know better, you think it’s a safety concern,” shouted Williamson's wife, Patricia, saying the board does not understand what goes on during many of the calls he receives. “So you are going to harass the shit out of him until he resigns,” she said.

Williamson’s son had the final words before the public comment period was closed, pleading, “Let him leave with dignity.” Choking up, he said there has never been a family dinner where Williamson did not get up to leave to answer a call. “I am pushing him to sue you guys,” he added.

The council later tabled its discussion on adjustments to the Constable Code of Conduct.

At the end of the meeting, a gentleman proposed renaming the Grand Gorge Community Center after Williamson. Hinkley said it certainly could be considered.

Other Business

The Civic Center has a roof leak in the gym. Hinkley will schedule the annual inspection early to determine next steps. Titan Roofing will conduct the inspection.

The town's assessment went from 100% to around 95%. The last reassessment was in 2024. Assessor Clerk Stephanie Seminara said the decrease is due to market changes. Land has gone up by at least 6%, she said. Grievance day is May 28th.

Residents are required to purchase a new transfer station tag for $25 every February.

The resignation of highway employee Scott Haskin was accepted, effective Mar. 27th. The town will accept applications for a full-time heavy equipment operator position.

Adjustments to the water rates and regulations were tabled for one month.

The short-term rental law is expected to be presented at the next monthly meeting on Monday, April 13, at 6 p.m.