CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) — A retired Cortland employee was honored on Veterans’ Day.

The Cortland Police Department selected Mike Dexter as their 2026 Veteran of the Year at the annual veteran’s recognition dinner. Dexter is a US Navy vet who served on 2 different naval ships in the Mediterranean Sea.

“Mike spent 31 years working for the City of Cortland Water Board, where his contributions extended far beyond his official duties. Even in retirement, he continues to volunteer his time maintaining and beautifying the Water Works grounds,” officials wrote in a Facebook post.

“His impact on our community can be seen everywhere—from planting hundreds of trees throughout Cortland, decorating the Water Works for multiple holidays throughout the year, adorning Main Street with flowers and American flags, to decades of involvement in local athletics, St. Mary’s Church and School, and countless community projects,” police added.

Dexter retired after 30 years working for Cortland’s water board.