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Honoring Four Irish American Rockland Residents For Their Accomplishments & Contributions

County Legislators Cleary, Kennelly & Jobson Recognize Thomas Walsh, Patrick Frawley, Cyril Kerr & Robert McDonald

Rockland County Legislators Paul Cleary, Will Kennelly and Doug Jobson led a celebration of Irish American Heritage Month by recognizing the significant contributions of four local Irish Americans engaged in vital public safety efforts: Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II, Chief Assistant District Attorney Patrick Frawley, Retired Law Enforcement Officer Cyril Kerr, and Town of Clarkstown Police Sergeant Robert McDonald.

The legislators provided an overview of each honoree’s many contributions and accomplishments and presented them with the Distinguished Service Award – the Legislature’s highest honor.

“If the ancestors of Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II could meet him today – how proud they would be of his hard work and accomplishments,” Legislator Cleary said.

District Attorney Walsh, who was born in the Bronx and who graduated from Congers Elementary and Clarkstown High School, has dedicated his life to law enforcement, earning a degree from St. John's University School of Law and becoming a practicing lawyer in 1976. He was elected Haverstraw Village Justice in 1983, and in the 42 years since then, has held judicial roles at the Town, County, and State levels.

He takes immense pride in his Irish heritage, and has traveled throughout Ireland, including visiting the cottage where his grandmother, Rose Devine Leonard, lived in Ballinagh, County Cavan, as well as a visit to the Irish Supreme Court.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, he is a member of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and Division 3 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and several bar associations. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross in Rockland.

Legislator Cleary also noted the contributions of Chief Assistant District Attorney Patrick Frawley.

“Pat Frawley set his sights higher when he decided to become an attorney after nearly two decades as a police officer,” Legislator Cleary said. “We thank him for his ongoing service and also congratulate him on being named as an Aide to the Grand Marshal of this year’s Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade.”

Chief Frawley’s impressive career has taken him from service as an Orangetown Police Officer and Detective to earning a law degree from Pace University and eventually entering private practice. He also served as Coordinator of Safety and Security for the Clarkstown Central School District, and in 2020 was named Chief Assistant District Attorney, a leadership post where he oversees a team consisting of all Assistant District Attorneys, Criminal Investigators, members of the Drug Task Force, and the Special Victims Unit.

Chief Frawley takes pride in being the son of Irish immigrants - his father is from County Clare and his mother is from County Leitrim. He is a member of  Division 3 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Rockland County Chapter of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

County Legislator Will Kennelly spoke about the many contributions of Clarkstown Police Sgt. Robert McDonald.

“I’ve known Rob for well over 20 years and if there’s any word that Rob does not have in his vocabulary, it’s ‘no,’” Legislator Kennelly said.

Robert McDonald was born in Yonkers and moved to Clarkstown while still an infant, the son of Patricia and Gary McDonald. Rob, his twin Christina and their sister Julie are first generation Irish American on their mother’s side.

He attended Clarkstown South High School, graduating in 1988 and later earning an associate’s degree from Rockland Community College. In 1995, he joined the Clarkstown Police Department and in 2001, was named Officer of the Year. He earned promotions in ensuing years, including Detective Sergeant in 2023, and his work included focusing on juvenile crimes, sex offender management, and crime scene investigation. He currently leads the Crisis Negotiation team. He is also President of the Clarkstown Police Honor Guard, teaches at the police academy, and manages the Youth Court program for first-time offenders.

Det. Sgt. McDonald actively engages with the community through various other programs, as well, many aiming to uplift and support young people. He chairs the Clarkstown PBA Scholarship Committee and speaks on Juvenile Justice and sexual assault at local colleges. He and his wife Shari, married since 2002, live in Congers where they raised their children, Brenna, Robert, and Marren. Det. Sgt. McDonald is also active as a board member of the Veterans Memorial Association and is a Varsity football coach at Clarkstown North High School.

County Legislator Doug Jobson highlighted the efforts of retired Law Enforcement Officer Cyril Kerr, a neighbor of many years.

“I want to thank Cyril for his ongoing contributions to public safety in Rockland County and to being a champion of our men and women who wear the police badge,” Legislator Jobson said.

After a distinguished 36-year career in law enforcement, Cyril Kerr retired as a Captain from the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. He previously served with the NYPD, where he rose to the rank of detective, and the Haverstraw Village and Piermont Police Departments.

He is the proud son of Irish immigrants who truly embodied the American dream. His parents emphasized the significance of their heritage, encouraging their children to take pride in their Irish roots and to show respect for others. Cyril has been fortunate to visit Ireland multiple times, connecting with relatives and exploring the farms where his parents were raised.

Cyril currently serves as the President of the Rockland County Police Emerald Society, promoting the values of friendship, loyalty, and community engagement among fellow law enforcement officers. He has been a member of the executive board for more than 25 years, leading as its President for half of those years.

Every year, Cyril and his wife Diane organize the Pearl River St. Patrick’s Day Parade party for the Police Emerald Society. Having marched in the parade since childhood, Cyril had the honor of serving as the Parade Commander in 2016.

This celebratory event not only honors these four remarkable individuals but also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Irish Americans in Rockland County. Their achievements reflect the values of hard work, community commitment, and cultural pride that have enriched the county’s overall history and culture.

 In celebration of Irish American Heritage Month, Rockland County Legislators Doug Jobson and Will Kennelly, left, and Paul Cleary, right, recognized Retired Law Enforcement Officer Cyril Kerr, Chief Assistant District Attorney Patrick Frawley, Town of Clarkstown Police Sergeant Robert McDonald, and Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II.

Rockland County Legislator Paul Cleary presented the Distinguished Service Award - the Legislature's highest honor - to Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II in recognition of his ongoing law enforcement efforts. He is a member of Irish American organizations and has visited Ireland, including the cottage where his grandmother once lived.

Rockland County Legislator Paul Cleary presented the Distinguished Service Award to Chief Assistant District Attorney Patrick Frawley in recognition of his law enforcement service, which began when he served with the Orangetown Police Department, where he rose to the rank of detective. He also obtained a law degree and  was later named to the District Attorney's Office. On Sunday, he will have the honor of serving as Aide to the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pearl River. 

Rockland County Legislator Will Kennelly recognized Clarkstown Police Sgt. Robert McDonald for his ongoing law enforcement and community contributions. Sgt. McDonald earned several promotions through the years, including Detective Sergeant in 2023. He is active with several police benevolent efforts and community concerns, including youth and veterans work.

Rockland County Legislator Doug Jobson presented recognized retired Law Enforcement officer Cyril Kerr for his many contributions as a member of the NYPD, Haverstraw Village and Piermont Police Departments, and the Rockland County District Attorney's Office, where retired at the rank of Captain. He continues to be very involved with the law enforcement community, promoting the values of friendship, loyalty, and community engagement among fellow officers.

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