Neuhaus receives Sportsmen's Defender of Freedom award

GOSHEN — Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus was honored with the Orange County Federation of Sportsmen’s Club’s Defender of Freedom Lifetime Achievement Award on Sept. 9 at Kuhl’s Highland House in Middletown.
Neuhaus, an avid hunter and fisherman, was recognized for his "years of visionary guidance, distinguished service, and devotion to the sportsmen and women of New York State, as an essential planner in defending the rights of law-abiding citizens and promoting outdoor education for smart growth and intelligent development of our community."
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler presented Neuhaus with the award. They were joined at the dinner by Orange County Sheriff Carl E. DuBois and County Clerk Annie Rabbitt.
“I am honored to receive this recognition and will continue to do all I can to educate the public about the many contributions made by the Sportsmen’s Club," said Neuhaus. "Fees generated by responsible members of the sporting community provide funds that manage wildlife and support conservation efforts across the state. I appreciate the important role they play in Orange County and I look forward to working with the Sportsmen’s Club for many years.”
Sportsmen and sportswomen have been meeting in Orange County since the 1940s, according to Jim Torcivia, president of the Orange County Federation of Sportsmen’s Club. The club was formally incorporated in 1958 and through the years it has grown to 10,000 members comprised of 24 different clubs and lodges. During that time, it has added a variety of events and programs. The Orange County Federation of Sportsmen’s Club has played a major role in increasing all types of outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing, by making new land available and working to prevent the loss of public access to land and water.
“Steve is a class act and is doing great things for the people of Orange County,” Torcivia said. “He understands that responsible sportsmen are an integral part of the conservation movement and we are stewards of the environment.”