Larry Manning, Bill Larkin retire from Sheriff’s Office after 48 years

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Bill Larkin, left, receives a plaque and certificate from County Legislator Skip Draper and Sheriff Chris Bourke in appreciation for a 48-year career with the Sheriff’s Office.

Draper noted that Larkin gave him his first speeding ticket soon after Draper starting driving as a teen-ager. Larkin spent about 25 years on the road patrol, as well as four years as a criminal investigator and then part-time on the Marine Patrol since 2005.

“I don’t know if there is a person in Orleans County who hasn’t received a ticket from Bill Larkin,” Bourke joked while giving Larkin a plaque on Tuesday during the County legislature meeting.

Larkin for 15 years also was a part-time police officer for the Village of Lyndonville until 2021.

The plaque from Bourke included the words: “Your tireless work ethic and professionalism has set the tone for the rest of the department. You will always have a home here. We wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors!”

Draper and Bourke also presented a plaque and certificate of appreciation to Larry Manning for a 48-year career with the Sheriff’s Office. Manning worked as a deputy, and then was promoted to sergeant and lieutenant. After retiring from full-time work, he started part-time with the Marine Patrol in 2002.

“I hate to say good-bye,” Manning said during the Legislature  meeting.

His career actually started in 1971 as a volunteer with the auxiliary police. When he was hired as a deputy sheriff, he was paid $8,400 the first year.

Bourke said Manning and Larkin have both been mentors for him. “I learned so much from Bill and Larry,” Bourke said.