Town pays tribute to former Police Chief Thomas L. Ferretti

On Saturday, Feb. 18,  friends and neighbors gathered in Trumansburg to say farewell to former Police Chief Thomas L. Ferretti.

As the funeral procession for the retired police chief traveled from the Trumansburg American Legion Post 770 to the Calvary Cemetery in Ithaca for a private burial, East and West Main Streets were lined with community members holding American flags.

Local businesses and organizations, including Trumansburg Liquor, Little Venice, Ron Don’s Village Pub and American Legion Post 770, provided flags to show support.

According to his obituary, Ferretti, who passed away Sunday, Feb. 5, was born in 1943 in Buffalo, New York.

Ferretti joined the United States Navy after high school and served during the Vietnam War. After leaving the Navy in 1967, he met his future wife while driving a Divco milk truck. Ferretti later worked for Cornell University as a university patrolman. He was eventually hired as a deputy sheriff, working his way up the ranks until becoming a detective.  

Ferretti was appointed Trumansburg chief of police in 1976 while remaining a deputy sheriff. He served as chief for 42 years, until retiring in 2018. Among his many contributions, he has been credited with modernizing the police department by introducing low-profile police cars and body cameras.

The retired police chief was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1253; Arthur E. Bouton Post 770, American Legion of Trumansburg; New York State Chiefs of Police; International Association of Chiefs of Police; and St. James Catholic Church.

Ferretti worked with local youth as a baseball coach; formed the Police Explorer Scouts; held a treasurer role for Cops, Kids & Toys for several years; and established Tompkins County’s first DARE program.

Trumansburg Mayor Rordan Hart issued a statement on Ferretti’s passing on the Village of Trumansburg’s website. 

“For the better part of four decades, Tom’s name was nearly synonymous with Trumansburg itself,” Hart wrote. “Tom believed in community-focused policing before anyone knew how important that approach was.” 

Hart noted that Ferretti served as chief of police under at least eight mayors during his time but was also invested in Trumansburg outside of the police department. 

“He ran a local business. He drove a school bus. He knew nearly every resident and every Main Street shop and restaurant owner,” Hart continued. “Tom, as much as any person in my lifetime, helped to mold the character of the community into the one we know and love.”

Kind words about Ferretti have been shared far and wide on social media, showing his reach within the community and beyond.

The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance extended words of support to the Ferretti family on its Facebook page, writing that the former police chief was a friend to everyone. 

“He was witness to the birth of the GrassRoots Festival, and throughout the years, provided support for the event to grow and thrive,” the post said. “Thank you, Chief, for your service, your love of community and family, and your unwavering support. You will forever be remembered as an integral part of the GrassRoots history and family.”

The Ithaca Police Benevolent Association also expressed gratitude for Ferretti on its Facebook page, recalling his “profound impact” on the community and his service that focused on youth.

“Chief Ferretti also gave some of our members, current Ithaca Police Officers, their first shot at police work before they transferred to the Ithaca Police Department,” the post stated. “Those officers are forever grateful for those opportunities.”

In closing his statement, Hart encapsulated Ferretti’s significance to the community. 

“In every measurable way, Tom Ferretti left the Village in better shape than when he came to it,” Hart wrote. “And this, perhaps, is the greatest legacy anyone can have.”

Trumansburg Connection appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Michael P. Hoffmann, scientist and author, comes to Trumansburg

During Trumansburg’s 3rd Community Forum, Michael P. Hoffmann, scientist and author of “Our Changing Menu,” will speak about how eating habits can impact climate. Hoffmann will also address how the climate will change what we eat. 

The event will be held March 7 at 7 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall, located at 69 E. Main St.

2023 summer season applications now available for Trumansburg Farmers Market 

Applications are now available for the 2023 summer season of Trumansburg Farmers Market, which is held Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and lasts from May 3 to October 25.  

Vendor applications can be found on the website, tburgfarmersmarket.com, or requested by emailing tfm.mktmgr@gmail.com.

Looking to raise chickens? An online class is now scheduled to satisfy required permit

An online class on backyard chickens will soon be held for those looking to add a few chickens for home egg production.

The class will provide the documentation needed for a permit. It will be taught by an experienced flock keeper, Margaret Royall. 

In her online class, Royall will provide practical advice on chicken raising.

The class is open to all and will be held March 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The fee is on a self-determined sliding scale. 

Those interested can register on the Cornell Cooperative Extension website at ccetompkins.org.