SAYING GOODBYE

Police chief retires after 29 years with department

NORTH GREENBUSH, N.Y. » After 29 years on the job, North Greenbush Police Chief Robert Durivage walked out of the police station on Friday afternoon for the last time.

Members of the department, town officials, along with family and friends, celebrated Durivage’s last day with the department with a formal walk- out ceremony. Officials from other law enforcement agencies, such as the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office, and some local politicians were also in attendance.

Durivage began his law enforcement career with the North Green- bush Police Department in 1989. As a police captain, he oversaw the application and compliance process to earn the agency accredited status from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services in 2007. He has risen through the ranks and was appointed

as the Chief of Police in May 2013. During his term as chief, he was instrumental in advancing the abilities and professionalism of the 23 member department, officials said.

Last month, the town board unanimously agreed at a special meeting to promote town police Sgt. David M. Keevern as the department’s next chief.

Keevern, a lifelong town resident who has served on the police force since 2001, took the oath of office last month with his wife and two young children by his side. He officially took over the department on Feb. 9, after learning his new role for the past month under Durivage.

Durivage said he’ll miss his duties with the department, but he looks forward to spending more time with his family during his retirement.

-Nicholas Buonanno

NICHOLAS BUONANNO — NBUONANNO@TROYRECORD.COM Outgoing North Greenbush Police Chief Robert Durivage becomes emotional as he is saluted and greets members of his department during his walk-out ceremony Friday afternoon.

NICHOLAS BUONANNO — NBUONANNO@TROYRECORD.COM North Greenbush Police Chief Robert Durivage gets ready to greet the crowd during his retirement walk-out ceremony Friday afternoon.

NICHOLAS BUONANNO — NBUONANNO@TROYRECORD.COM A large crowd gathers around North Greenbush Police Chief Robert Durivage as he greets everyone during his retirement walk-out ceremony at the police station Friday.

NICHOLAS BUONANNO — NBUONANNO@TROYRECORD.COM Members of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office stand with North Greenbush Police Chief Robert Durivage after his retirement walk-out ceremony Friday. From left are Capt. Derek Pyle, Durivage and Rensselaer County Sheriff Pat Russo.

NICHOLAS BUONANNO — NBUONANNO@TROYRECORD.COM Outgoing North Greenbush Police Chief Robert Durivage uses a radio from a North Greenbush police officer Friday afternoon to make his out of service radio call.