Salem-Washington County Sheriff's Office Senior Investigator Bruce H. Hamilton, 55, of Salem, passed away unexpectedly on Monday evening, June 2, 2014 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, VT. Bruce was born in Cambridge, NY on March 22, 1959 the son of Bette Jennings Hamilton-Scanlon and the late Harold Hamilton. He graduated from Salem Washington Academy in 1977. Senior Investigator Hamilton started his career with the Washington County Sheriff's Office May 7th, 1987. He was promoted to Sergeant August 8th, 1995, Investigator September 8th, 1998 and Senior Investigator August 6th, 2013. During his career with the Sheriff's Office Senior Investigator Hamilton served in many capacities to include Accident Reconstruction Supervisor, Juvenile Investigator, and DCJS and Homeland security liaison. Bruce was instrumental in the modernization of the department, and in the implementation of multiple law enforcement programs to enhance the services provided to the community. Senior Investigator Hamilton was the lead investigator on multiple homicide and fatal motor vehicle investigations during his career. His diligence, attention to detail, and genuine dedication to the victims and their families resulted in the successful prosecution of offenders. Bruce was an exceptionally dedicated officer, strong victim advocate, a mentor, and a friend to anyone in need. Bruce was a member of Holy Cross Church in Salem and the Knights of Columbus. He loved using computers, doing woodworking and had a strong interest in space exploration. Bruce is survived by his wife of 26 years, Cathleen Birdsall Hamilton; his mother, Bette Hamilton-Scanlon and her husband Gerry of Poultney, VT; children, Bradley Hamilton of Glens Falls, Aaron Hamilton and Stephanie Hamilton, both of Salem. Bruce is also survived by a brother, Elisha Hamilton and his wife Kristen of Queensbury and a sister, Jane Canale and her husband Joseph of Schenectady as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. As a husband, he was his wife's true love, her strength, her partner & friend. As a father, he was the biggest supporter of his children's passions and helped to influence their accomplishments. People couldn't help but be happy when they were around him because of his infectious sense of humor. Calling hours for Police, Fire Departments, Emergency Medical Service agencies and Professional Associates will be from 1-3 PM Friday at the Holy Cross Church, 249 North Main Street, Salem. Calling hours for friends and the general public will be from 4-7 pm Friday at the Church. Departmental Honors will be at 10:00 am Saturday at Holy Cross Church in Salem where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow the service at Holy Cross Cemetery in Salem. Those who wish to remember Bruce in a special way may make memorial contributions to the Salem Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 360, Salem, NY 12865 or the Salem Vol. Fire Dept., P.O. Box 449, Salem, NY 12865.