Clarkstown Police Officer Terrance McCrudden, known for his professionalism as a police officer and for his love of athletics, died Tuesday at White Plains Hospital after a battle with cancer. He was 48.
Officer McCrudden, a New City resident, was a town police officer since 1995. He had been assigned to patrol New City and he was a field training officer who helped new police officers learn their jobs.
An avid bicyclist and rugby player, Officer McCrudden was also known to friends and colleagues as a steadfast New York Rangers hockey fan.
"He will be very hard to replace at Clarkstown," said Clarkstown Police Officer John Hanchar, president of the Clarkstown PBA.
Officer McCrudden was a 1982 graduate of Albertus Magnus High School in Bardonia and he attended the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. His brother, Christopher, is also a Clarkstown police officer.
Outside of work, Terrance McCrudden was known as a long-distance bicyclist and for his Rugby play. He was a member of the Rockland Rogues rugby team.
In his work, Hanchar said Officer McCrudden was very good at training new police officers and he was highly trusted by fellow police officers he worked with on the streets.
"He was a guy everyone got along with and respected," Hanchar said. "He was on a very even keel. He was a good police officer."
Arrangements are being handled by Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home, 321 S. Main St., New City. Calling hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, with a funeral at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Augustine’s Church, 140 Maple Ave., New City, with burial in St. Anthony's Cemetery, Nanuet.
The policeman stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining. Just as brightly as his brass. "Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To My church have you been true?" The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint. I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been violent, Because the streets are awfully tough. But I never took a penny, That wasn't mine to keep.... Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills got just too steep. And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here. They never wanted me around Except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't.....I'll understand. There was silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod. As the policeman waited quietly, For the judgment of his God. "Step forward now, policeman, You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell." Author Unknown Rest in Peace Brother! You will be missed!
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts & prayers. If we can do anything please let us know. We extend our love & deepest condolences. James & Janet & Horn (Wallkill, NY)