Welcome to the 2nd Annual Thomas D. Avery Road Hawg Benefit Ride

Thomas D. Avery was a Sergeant in the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office for nearly 30 years. He grew up in Delhi NY and attended Delaware Academy and Central School. Growing up Tom liked the outdoors. Riding his “Little Indian” dirt bike, trapping, fishing, coon hunting and showing his dogs were among his favorites.

Through his entire life his sense of humor was one of a kind. There was never a dull moment because he’d have a story to tell or a joke to pass on. This can be attested to by many. Tom’s family was very important to him. He always put his family first.

One of Tom’s BIGGEST passions was riding motorcycle. His first true bike was a 1977 Harley Davidson Sportster which he not only road but on several occasions had shown. Then he purchased a 2001 Harley Davidson Electra Glide which he loved to ride, show off and on several occasions would show. Tom loved to ride with family, friends or just anyone that wanted to ride.

When Tom started as a Deputy with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office he was a “turn key”, now know as a corrections officer. Later he moved to communications along with doing some road patrol. From there he became Sergeant in charge of communications along with doing road patrol. After 911 was implemented he returned to road patrol full time.

For six years Sgt. Avery was the advisor for the Delaware County Explorer Post 108. At this time he was the recipient of the prestigious William Spurgeon III Award (see below), the highest honor an advisor can receive.

Tom enjoyed working with the different facets of law enforcement. He worked alongside DEC during Hunting Season. On several occasions he assisted with patrolling local water ways.

For 19 years Tom was a member of the Delhi Masonic Lodge 439 of Free and Accepted Masons of New York, and a member of the Delhi Fire Department. He worked as a relief Postmaster in Hamden. He was a former Town of Hamden Councilman and had participated in the local Amigo Search and Rescue.

At Tom's untimely death he left behind his parents, sister, wife of 28 years, two daughters, a son-in-law, a grandson, nephews and nieces along with many many friends.

Sgt. Thomas D. Avery received the prestigious William Spurgeon III Award. Below is an explanation of this award.

From the Sheriff’s Desk....March 16, 2006

EXPLORER SCOUTS POST 108 ACKNOWLEDGES THEIR MENTOR

This week members of Explorer Scouts Post 108, sponsored by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, presented their Advisor, Sgt. Thomas D. Avery, with a plaque in appreciation of his efforts to educate and train them in the methods and objectives of a career in law enforcement.

Our Explorers operate under the auspices of the Boy Scouts of America’s Law Enforcement Exploring program, which is intended to match young men and women between the ages of 14 through 20 with professionals in their chosen career field who have agreed to share their knowledge and skills. While gaining exposure to various career opportunities, Explorers obtain leadership experience, life skills, and character education. Those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, learn the role of law enforcement in the community, obtain police-oriented skills and share the responsibilities of their sponsor by participating in non-enforcement type activities such as traffic control, aiding patrol officers and providing security for public events. Presently there are more than 33,000 young men and women participating in this program at the more than 1,800 law enforcement Explorer posts scattered throughout this country.

Sgt. Avery has been the Advisor of this program since its inception six years ago. Although Explorer Post 108 is small in number, currently having five members, its members are ambitious, resourceful and take pride in their accomplishments. They appreciate the opportunity to be able to obtain first-hand knowledge of the realities, routines and rituals that a career in law enforcement entails. They routinely host fund-raisers to subsidize their participation in an annual National Law Enforcement Exploring Conference where they meet and compete with Explorers from other posts.

Members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office are pleased to share their collective knowledge and skill with area Explorers and actively demonstrate to them the role law enforcement plays as a vital member of any successful community.

Upon receiving this award, Sgt. Avery wished to acknowledge his wife, Nancy, and expressed his appreciation of the extensive time and effort she has contributed throughout the course of this worthwhile project.