Yorktown Detective Hannigan honored

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. —Yorktown Police Detective James Hannigan was among the officers recognized on May 14 during Westchester County’s annual Police Memorial Service and Honor Awards at the County Center. 

Hannigan received a Citation of Commendable Merit for his investigative work following a drug-related incident in which a man was found burned to death in his vehicle. His efforts led to a broader narcotics investigation, the identification of a suspected drug dealer, and the federal prosecution of that individual for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. 

Officers from across the county were recognized for actions between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Honorees were selected by a panel of chiefs and commissioners from Westchester law enforcement agencies. 

Earlier this year, Hannigan received a Yorktown Police Department Excellent Police Duty Award for this arrest.  

“A well-deserved honor for Detective Hannigan, who continues to represent the Yorktown Police Department and our community in an exemplary manner,” Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble said. “He is relentless, intelligent, and resourceful in his work.  We’re lucky to have him.” 

The ceremony, presided over by County Executive Ken Jenkins and Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor, also honored the 93 Westchester officers who have died in the line of duty since the late 1700s. Their names were read aloud as taps played in remembrance. 

“We gather today in solemn remembrance of 93 law enforcement officers from Westchester who gave their lives in the service of others. Each one swore an oath to protect their communities—and each one paid for that commitment with their lives,” Jenkins said. “It is our duty to never forget their sacrifice. It is our responsibility to remember the terrible price their loved ones paid. It is our prayer that we never have to add more names to this Roll of Honor.”