Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. more than a hundred people came out to honor Troy Garron for his 32 years as selectman in Halifax and service to the community.
Selectman chairman Gordon Andrews emceed the event, first introducing the state representatives, Kathy LaNatra (D-Kingston) and Josh Cutler (D-Duxbury) to the podium. Cutler will represent one precinct in Halifax beginning July 1 due to redistricting caused by the new numbers in the 2020 census.
Both representatives spoke of their respect for the man who mentored them in their political aspirations. LaNatra presented Troy with a proclamation from the State House.
State Senator Michael Brady also brought a proclamation from the Senate.
Representing the Plymouth County government, State Treasurer Tom O’Brien, County Commissioner Jared Valanzuelo, and Plymouth County Registrar of Deeds John Buckley. The three presented Garron with gifts from the county. O’Brien recalled leaving a Middleboro restaurant with Garron and witnessing an assault and purse snatching in the parking lot. Garron told O’Brien to call 911 and went after the attacker, caught him, and held him until police could arrive. “That’s the kind of guy he is, he gets it done.”
Police Chief Joao A. Chaves gave Troy a plaque thanking Troy’s service to the police department not only in his role as police commissioner but also in his all-around support of the department.
Andrews completed the plaques and proclamations by reading a proclamation from Gov. Charlie Baker.
Veterans Agent Steve Littlefield spoke to the gathering about Troy’s life, from his birth in Chicago, one of 11 children, played on a championship football team in high school ro making the Olympic preliminaries in the 100-yard dash. In his third year at the University of Illinois, he was drafted to serve in 1963 during the Vietnam era.
He moved to Massachusetts where he lived with his brother Larry who played for the Boston Patriots for nine years. Troy helped Larry with his martial arts school and there he met his wife Marilyn who has been with him ever since.
Corey told of Troy’s career in law enforcement, focusing on rehabilitating troubled kids, that ultimately brought him to Halifax so he could begin working for the Greater Boston YMCA Juvenile Justice Program. There he was in charge of 58 young people who were being held in court or serving time. Troy wanted to show them a new way.
The veterans’ agent went on to detail Garron’s life in service as a selectman, staying true to his motto of “fair, firm, and consistent”.
What’s a birthday party without birthday cake? The complement of well wishers enjoyed a slice of cake and coffee as they congratulated the retiring Mr. Halifax.