Assembly Resolution No. 607
BY: M. of A. Jones
MOURNING the death of The Honorable Kenneth J.
McLaughlin, retired police officer, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of The Honorable Kenneth J. McLaughlin of
Saranac Lake, New York, a preeminent citizen whose distinguished public
service and caring commitment will long serve as a standard to which
others might aspire; and
WHEREAS, Judge Kenneth J. McLaughlin died on Thursday, February 10,
2022, at the age of 73; and
WHEREAS, Judge Kenneth J. McLaughlin truly lived his life with great
dignity and genuine grace, always demonstrating a deep and continuing
concern for the welfare of others in the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth "KJ" J. McLaughlin was born on May 17, 1948, to
Henry and Dorothy (McCasland) McLaughlin in Saranac Lake, where he
graduated from Pius X Central High School in 1966; later, in 1985, he
furthered his education by earning his Associate of Applied Science
degree in criminal justice from North Country Community College; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth J. McLaughlin proudly served his country as an
infantryman and vehicle mechanic with the United States Army along the
Czechoslovakia border; and
WHEREAS, From 1970-1974, Kenneth J. McLaughlin served as a Patrolman
Sergeant for the Saranac Lake Police Department, and part-time from
1976-1995; upon the end of his full-time employment with the Department,
he began a new career with New York State Department of Correctional
Services; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Kenneth J. McLaughlin quickly rose
through the ranks, holding many leadership positions; after more than
three decades of service, he retired with the rank of First Deputy
Superintendent, Director of Special Operations, for the New York State
Corrections and Community Services; and
WHEREAS, For over 50 years, Kenneth J. McLaughlin had been an active
member of the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department, holding the titles
of 1st and 2nd Lieutenant Rescue Squad, Captain of Rescue Squad; and
Captain in Charge of Underwater Dive Rescue for over 35 years; he also
served as Franklin County Deputy Fire Coordinator Car-2, and at the time
of his unexpected death, he was the Dive Safety Officer; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to his role in fire protection, Kenneth J.
McLaughlin saved an elderly man from a burning apartment in 1979, and in
1992, helped rescue a woman and her baby from a car which had overturned
in a pond; in 2015, at the age of 67, he responded to more calls than
any of the Department's 40 members at the time; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth J. McLaughlin was also a vital part of many first
responder organizations including International Association of Arson
Investigators, International Association of Narcotics Officers, National
Association of Investigative Specialists, Nine Lives Association for
Personal Protection Specialist, and the International Dive Rescue
Association; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to his fellow veterans, Kenneth J. McLaughlin was
a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Post 447,
and enjoyed the great outdoors through the Saranac Lake Fish and Game
Club; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, Ken was elected as Village Judge, and at the time
of his death, had served two years of his four-year term as Harrietstown
Judge; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, and his companion Sandra
Tanner, Judge Kenneth J. McLaughlin is survived by his wife Kathleen
Peer; two sons, Kirk (Janean Blevins) McLaughlin and Derek (Nancy)
McLaughlin; four grandchildren, Ronald, Derek, Marion and Kane; one
brother, David (Kathy) McLaughlin; one sister, Evelyn (Bill) Wagner;
three stepdaughters, Wendy (Tom) Dupree, Cassandra Tanner, and Tanya
Kennedy; one stepson, Charles (Shelia) Strack; and one step-grandson,
Brandon Dupree; as well as his dog Lady, numerous friends, colleagues
and neighbors who will long cherish his memory; and
WHEREAS, Judge Kenneth J. McLaughlin's life was a portrait of
service, a legacy which will long endure the passing of time, and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; and
WHEREAS, Judge Kenneth J. McLaughlin's name is synonymous with
character, dignity, intellect, depth and humor, qualities evident to his
family and to all those who were fortunate enough to have known him; he
will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of The Honorable Kenneth J. McLaughlin, retired police
officer, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of The Honorable Kenneth J. McLaughlin.
