By Doug La Rocque
George Bell, the long time chief of the combined Washington County villages, passed away from an apparent heart attack on Sunday night, March 11. His death shocked both communities, as well as members of law enforcement. Chief Bell spent more than three decades as a police officer, serving first with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department before becoming Chief of the Cambridge-Greenwich force.
Cambridge Mayor Carman Bogle said in a statement released by her office, “it is with a heavy heart that I report the unexpected passing of our long-time Police Chief, George Bell, overnight.
“George was a loyal and caring public servant who served the citizens of Cambridge with all of his heart and soul. He was of our community, and his dedication was not only based on the oath that he took to his position, but also that of a citizen looking to the needs of his hometown. He dedicated his life to the noble profession of law enforcement, and his service reflected credit upon all who wear the badge – all who serve on the thin blue line.
I offer my condolences to George’s family, friends, fellow officers, and all who were close to him. George will be missed.”
The Hoosick Falls Police Department said “our thought and prayers are with the Cambridge-Greenwich Police Department with the unexpected loss of Chief George Bell.”
Chief Bell gained notoriety outside his community in the ongoing disappearance of 12 year old Jaliek Rainwalker of Greenwich, a case that remains unsolved.
Calling hours are Thursday, March 15 from 2 to 7 pm at the Cambridge United Presbyterian Church, 81 East Main Street in Cambridge. Funeral services with departmental honors will be held at the church on Friday, March 16 at 11 am. Chief Bell was 64 years old.