Having passed unexpectedly on Monday, January 13 while on duty, Bethel Constable Doug Ketcham, 73, had a send off that was both heartfelt and emotional, with well over 250 friends, family and members of law enforcement in attendance at the Cornelius Duggan Elementary School in White Lake on January 21.

Large contingents from local law-enforcement, including the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police, and the Town of Liberty Police were all in attendance.

A speaker welcomed everyone, saying, “friends, colleagues and esteemed friends, we gather today to honor the legacy of 47 years of dedicated service to the people of the Town of Bethel. We thank you for being here in support of Doug’s entire family… Doug’s dedication to his community was unmatched and unwavering, he was sincerely proud to put on that uniform, go out to work and keep the residents safe, each and every day.”

 The speaker went on to say, “It goes without saying that he was masterful at building and maintaining relationships by getting to know the people he served… to this day I’m convinced that he knew every single person that lived in the Town of Bethel or at least drove through the Town of Bethel.”

Doug’s close friend, retired Det. Don Starner, then recalled many funny moments and incidents they’ve shared over the many years that they’ve been close friend. Starner said, “I’m gonna try to get through this… but we’ll do it, but first off I want to thank everybody that is here, the officers, fire departments, ambulance, the constables… and I want all of you to remember one thing, all of you… Troopers, Sheriffs, please be safe out there, please.”

After a rendition of Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here, sung by local musician Will Hoppey, the final speaker was another friend of Doug’s, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office Investigator, Blake Starner, who said, “It is fitting that we are here in the Town of Bethel…Doug loved this place, good and bad – he was all about it, all day.”