06/05/2026
Thirty years of service. A lifetime of impact. A legacy that will be felt for generations.
Following a recent feature in the Community Advocate, we want to take a moment to recognize Lieutenant Roger Downing for his 30 years of dedicated service to the Hudson Police Department and the Town of Hudson.
Lt. Downing has been far more than a long-serving officer — he has been a steady presence, a trusted leader, and someone who has helped shape the culture of this department through professionalism, accountability, and mentorship.
As Commander of our Community Services Division and supervisor of the Body Worn Camera Program, he has carried significant responsibility with integrity and attention to detail. His leadership style is simple but powerful — fair, firm, and committed to helping others grow while never losing sight of accountability.
In today’s world, policing requires more than just experience. It requires patience, character, and the ability to lead people through challenges while holding the line when it matters most. Lt. Downing has done exactly that.
The Downing family’s service to Hudson spans generations — from retired Lieutenant John Downing, to Lt. Roger Downing, and now Officer James Downing, a member of our SWAT Team. Decades of service. One family. One community.
As retirement approaches, one thing is certain — Lt. Downing will leave behind big shoes to fill. His impact is not just in the work he has done, but in the people he has mentored, supported, and helped become better officers.
Thank you, Lieutenant Downing, for your dedication, your leadership, and your 30 years of service to Hudson. While your retirement is still ahead, your legacy is already firmly established.
Being a police officer runs in the family. Downing’s father, John, was an officer for 34 years and spent five of those years as chief. Their...
