Carmel, NY – Last week, a commemorative plaque in honor of the late Putnam County Court Judge James Reitz was unveiled at the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services. Judge Reitz was a dedicated legacy member of the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department who passed away in 2019. The plaque will serve as a lasting tribute to his commitment and service to the community.

The brief ceremony was attended by Judge Reitz’s wife Barbara, County Executive Kevin Byrne, members of the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department and leadership from the Bureau of Emergency Services.

“Everyone knows that we at the Falls are very proud of our people. Jimmy was one of ours,” said Jack Casey, former President and Chief of the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department. “We wanted to keep Jimmy alive in our memory and our hearts. He was a true servant, and we miss him dearly.”

“We felt this was a great place to prominently display such a touching tribute to Judge Retiz,” said County Executive Byrne. “Jim touched the lives of so many individuals. It’s impossible to really quantify or properly honor his legacy, but that’s not going to stop us from trying.”

“Thank you for this honor and allowing me to share in this,” said Barbara Reitz. “Jim and his family’s ties run very deep in this community; they love this community in a way that I didn’t understand when I met Jim. Hearing stories about Jim, his father, and grandfather, who were also members of the Falls Fire Department, has been incredibly moving.”

Judge Reitz Plaque Placement - 6/1/2023 - Putnam County Government, New York - YouTube