Before a standing-room only crowd at Farmingdale Village Hall, outgoing Mayor Joseph Trudden presided over his last meeting of the board of trustees last Tuesday. It was also the last meeting for outgoing trustees Michael Kelly and Vince Sotis. After quickly finishing up agenda items, several residents, including organization members, non-village residents, friends and colleagues, stood up to tell Trudden how much he will be missed in the village after 12 years of service as mayor. Some described Trudden's stepping down as an "end of an era," and described both him and his time in office a legacy.

Inspector George Gudmendsun, commanding officer of the 8th Precinct of the Nassau County Police Department, noted that while he's only been in contact with Trudden for about nine months, he quickly came to know and respect him.

"Joe is a hard guy to miss ... he has a larger than life personality, always says what's on his mind ... he doesn't mince words," Gudmendsun said. "He is deeply committed to his core beliefs."

The inspector noted that prior to becoming commanding officer of the 8th Precinct, it had been a number of years since he traveled through the village. Upon returning to the area, Gudmendsun said he "was struck by how beautiful and vibrant Farmingdale was. The place was gorgeous ... pulsing with people." He added, "After awhile I came to know what happened - Joe Trudden happened ... In his 12 years here, wonderful things have happened."

The inspector added that while working with Trudden regarding issues concerning the 8th Precinct, the mayor never accepted anything less than Farmingdale being the top priority.

"Joe struck me as someone who's always doing things for people," he said. "That's the Joe Trudden I'll always know."

Gudmendsun said that he knows Trudden will remain a prominent figure in the village and wished him much luck as he goes on this next path of life.

Father Hewes, pastor of St. James RC Church in Seaford, echoed many of the inspector's praises, saying that he too was out of the area for quite some time and noticed a major difference in the village when Trudden became mayor.

"I remember Farmingdale then ... this town is different now. You can see it, you can feel it," he said, "That doesn't just happen." Fr. Hewes credited Trudden's stewardship to the great changes that occurred in the village.

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Mary McCaffery, a resident of neighboring Bethpage, added that one of the things she most admires about the village is the way it looks.

"That doesn't happen without a good leader," she said, adding that in her involvement in preparing for the US Open to come to Bethpage State Park in 2002, many committee members were "green with envy" when they saw Farmingdale.

Several residents and non-village residents echoed these praises, saying that Trudden certainly did transform Farmingdale, all for the better. One small business owner noted that although he did not live in the village, he owned a business there and when he was having trouble Trudden was there to help. One resident also stated that she hopes that the new administration will be able to fill a room in 12 years. Another resident initiated a standing ovation for the mayor.

Trudden, a Farmingdale firefighter and local businessman (he co-owns McCourt and Trudden Funeral Home on Main Street, adjacent to village hall), said that he will continue to serve the village, just in other capacities.

"At the last village board meeting I said that whatever happens in the election happens, we'll still be neighbors. I mean that," Trudden said. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be a part of you - I love you all."

The meeting concluded with a bagpiper performing while walking around the board room, with Mayor Trudden and his wife Rosemary, followed by their two sons, walking through the crowd and greeting residents, thanking them for their perpetual support.