After more than 34 years of dedicated service, Ramapo Police Operations Captain Kevin Lee officially retired Friday, closing the book on a distinguished career with the Ramapo Police Department.

Lee was honored with a traditional walkout ceremony at Ramapo Police headquarters, where fellow officers, department leadership, friends, family members and others gathered to congratulate him and recognize more than three decades of service to the Town of Ramapo.

The ceremony marked an emotional final departure for Lee, who has been a fixture within the department since beginning his law enforcement career in August 1992 at the Rockland County Police Academy, where he served as class president and graduated as valedictorian.

Lee began his career as a patrol officer and later served in the Traffic Safety Unit. He was promoted to Sergeant and subsequently served as Communications Sergeant before becoming a Lieutenant in 2016. He went on to serve as Special Services Lieutenant and Administrative Lieutenant before being promoted to Captain, serving first as Administrative Captain and ultimately as Operations Captain.

Throughout his career, Lee also served as the department’s Accreditation Program Manager and became a trusted resource for officers and supervisors because of his extensive knowledge of Ramapo Police operations, technology, policies, procedures and department history.

Ramapo Police Chief Daniel Hyman previously told Monsey Scoop that Lee’s retirement would “leave a void” within the department, describing him as an indispensable member of the agency and praising his friendship, leadership and the legacy he leaves behind.

Town Supervisor Michael Specht similarly praised Lee for his professionalism, leadership and commitment to law enforcement throughout his decades of service to Ramapo residents.

Friday’s walkout brought Lee’s remarkable 34-year career to a fitting close, as those who served alongside him gathered to thank him for his decades of service and wish him and his family a long, healthy and enjoyable retirement.