On January 17, 2007, Troopers, both active and retired, gathered to honor one of their own on the account of his 93^rd birthday. The gathering, arranged by retired Zone/Sgt. Charles Dobbs with assistance from retired Senior Investigator Ray Salvie, honored Joseph J. Benenati at the New York State Veteran’s Home in Oxford, NY. Joe entered the Division in 1936, coincidentally with Charlie’s brother, William Dobbs, Jr., who was killed in the line of duty on August 27, 1939.

Joe proudly served his country during World War II and was a veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima. His military honors included the Bronze Star.

Joe resigned from the State Police with the rank of Sergeant – BCI, in August 1960 to assume the position of Chenango County Sheriff which he held until his retirement in 1981.

Troop C Commander, Major Kevin Molinari presented a retirement ID card to Joe and read a proclamation from Superintendent Wayne Bennett highlighting Joe’s law enforcement and military career. In addition to the ID card, Joe was presented with a retirement shield from the Troopers PBA, with his shield number of “C17” on it. The presentation of the shield was to correct the fact that Joe never received one when he left the Division almost 47 years ago.

Also present at this function were Insp. Tom Kelly (Ret., now the head of security at Hartwick College), Capt. Mark Lester, Lt. Bob Galletto, First Sergeant Steve Yurenda, Tpr. Nelson Torres, PBA C Troop Delegate Ed Kiluk and PBA First Vice President Tom Mungeer.

PHOTO CAPTION:  Front: Sgt. Joseph Benenati (Ret.)

Back: First VP Tom Mungeer, Troop C Delegate Ed Kiluk, Zone/Sgt. Charlie Dobbs (Ret.), Insp. Tom Kelly (Ret.), Major Kevin Molinari, Lt. Bob Galletto, Capt. Mark Lester, F/Sgt. Steve Yurenda