Proclamation Recognizing Reverend Dr. Jacques Michel

On July 19, 2022, ​a proclamation was presented by the Honorable Mayor Angelyne Butler, MPA, and Forest Park City Council recognizing Reverend Dr. Jacques Michel

WHEREAS: The Reverend Dr. Jacques Michel worked as a Rockland County deputy sheriff in the state of New York and was the first Haitian elected to the Rockland County legislature in 2007, and;

WHEREAS: Reverend Michel was appointed as a Spring Valley Village Court Justice in 2016, though he stepped down a year later after it was discovered that he was convicted of federal immigration fraud in 1978 for helping Haitian nationals become U.S. citizens — an act of kindness that would keep him from the bench, and;

WHEREAS:  Former legislator Michel held a master’s degree in criminology from the University of New Mexico and a master’s and doctorate in theology from Logos University in Jacksonville, Florida, and;

WHEREAS: While working as an ordained minister, Reverend Michel founded and ran a youth crime awareness program and youth court in the Town of Ramapo, New York, during his days with the Rockland Sheriff’s Department, and;

WHEREAS: He was a poet, artist and athlete, as well as a longtime mentor to Forest Park City Councilman Dabouze Antoine. But most important of all, Reverend Michel was a man of God who was eager to help any and every one, while still encouraging others to do the same, and;  

WHEREAS:  Reverend Michel passed away in July 2022; he was 82 years old.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Forest Park do herby recognize Reverend Dr. Jacques Michel for his contributions to his community and dedication toward peace.   

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hand on this 18 day of July 2022 and have caused the Official Seal of the great City of Forest Park to be affixed hereto: