Officer Madaus retires after 20 years with Yorktown Police Department

After 20 years of answering calls, helping residents and working alongside generations of Yorktown police officers, Officer Michael Madaus walked out of the Yorktown Police Department for the final time Aug. 11.

Madaus was honored with a retirement walkout Tuesday, marking the end of a two-decade career with the department. Colleagues, town officials and fellow first responders gathered to recognize an officer they described as a steady presence, a trusted partner and someone who treated people with compassion.

Madaus joined the department in 2006 after graduating from Westchester Community College. He spent his career as a patrol officer and became one of the department’s veteran officers, working alongside many of its current and retired members.

During the ceremony, colleagues described Madaus as a dependable partner who knew the job, had answers to questions and treated members of the community with compassion. Police Chief Justin Foley called Madaus a “wealth of information” and described him as the kind of cop a fellow officer would want in his corner.

Foley said the department has received many letters from community members describing how Madaus’ demeanor and presence during some of their hardest moments meant more than some may ever realize.

“If you had a question, he had the answers,” Foley said. “Mike always knew how to talk to people, treat them with compassion and empathy.”

Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi also recognized Madaus, presenting him with a county citation and thanking him for helping keep residents and their families safe. Gashi, a Yorktown resident himself, noted that Aug. 18 has been proclaimed Police Officer Mike Madaus Day in Westchester County.

Though they could not attend in person, Assemblyman Matt Slater, state Sen. Pete Harckham and Congressman Mike Lawler also celebrated Madaus’ retirement with proclamations and other commemorative items.

Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman recognized Madaus for his service and presented him with a proclamation declaring Aug. 14 as Michael Madaus Day in Yorktown.

“You are right there, front and center, setting the pace,” Lachterman said.

Madaus thanked his family, fellow officers, town employees, emergency responders and others who supported him throughout his career.

He also offered a message to the department’s younger officers, telling them that it takes only a few minutes to make a difference. He explained that officers are often dealing with people on the “worst day of their life,” but it takes only a moment to greet them in a way that makes a difference — to show care and compassion.

“Please remember that,” he said.