Visitation, Service for James F. Kralik

James F. Kralik, who served as Rockland County sheriff for two decades, died of cancer Monday. He was 74.

He retired in 2011 after 49 years with the sheriff's office. A former Sloatsburg resident, Sheriff Kralik was living on his horse farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Among many things, Sheriff Kralik is credited with starting Rockland's computer crimes unit and the marine unit. He also became a leader in anti-terrorism tactics after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, influencing state and federal policy.

"Jim Kralik was a modern day law enforcement icon who understood the need for Rockland law enforcement to evolve and address the many new challenges facing our communities. Much of what law enforcement is today is because Sheriff Kralik marshaled those changes through. A true visionary that we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to. Rest in peace, my friend," said County Executive Ed Day, himself retired from law enforcement.

Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and 4-9 p.m. Friday at McGowan’s Funeral Home, 71 Central Highway in Garnerville. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:45 p.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Church, 60 Washington Ave. in Suffern.

Officials are preparing for thousands of attendees, including officers from across the country.