Councilman Hector L. Soto was born in Puerto Rico and migrated to New York at the age of fourteen where he settled with his parents and other family members in Haverstraw.  He has been a resident of the Town of Haverstraw since 1959.  He was raised and educated in Haverstraw, graduating from Haverstraw Stony Point High School in 1965.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Councilman Soto entered military service in the United States Air Force.  He was trained as a military police graduating from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Immediately upon graduating as an MP, Soto was assigned to Clark Air Force Base in the Phillipines where he served for eighteen months.

In 1967 while serving in the Phillipines, Soto was selected as airman of the month, awarded to an airman who did the most in the area of training, education, military technology, dress, and conduct on and off base, supervision and military duty

In 1967-1968, Soto served a tour of duty in Viet Nam where he was assigned to Saigon.

Soto was honorably discharged as a Seargeant in 1970 after completing his commitment in military service.  His last duty assignment was at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Plattsburgh, New York.

On May 31, 1971 Councilman Soto began his Law Enforcement career as a member of the Town of Haverstraw Police Department where he ascended from Patrolman to Detective and Administrative Detective.

As a member of the Town of Haverstraw Police Department,  Councilman Soto received training in Municipal  Police, Basic Training for Police, Law Enforcement Officer’s Training School,  Arson Investigation,  Criminal Investigation, Criminal  Investigation Advance, Photography School,  Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs,  Homicide Investigation, Advance Homicide Investigation, High Intensity Drugs and Trafficking Area School, Race Relations, New York State Police Sex Offense School,  FBI Surveillance School  and Rockland County Intelligence Officer’s CTZ-4 School.

Soto has received numerous awards in recognition of his Law Enforcement career.

Councilman Soto attended Rockland Community College receiving an Associate Degree in Applied Science with a Major in Criminal Justice.  He graduated from Mercy College with a Bachelor Degree in Applied Science with a Major in Criminal Justice.  He also attended Long Island University towards a Master Degree in Criminal Justice.

On June 2007, Soto retired from the Town of Haverstraw Police Department after a thirty six years career.

On November 2007 Soto was elected as a Councilman to a four year term in the Town of Haverstraw.

In 1975, Soto married Josefina at St. Mary’s Church in Haverstraw. They have four children, Jasmine, Erica, Daphne and Hector Jr. who is presently serving in the United States Marines.

They have five grand children, NJ, Julian, Sophie, Angel and Caiden Allen.

Councilman Soto has been involved in many community and county organizations:

• Policemen’s Benevolent Association of Rockland County, Inc:  Actively involved:  Served as past President Rockland County Police Hispanic Society:  Actively involved:  Served as Past President.
• Rockland County Detectives Association:  Co-Founder:  Served as Treasurer
• Knights of Columbus, Haverstraw Council #581:   Actively involved:  Present Secretary
• Spanish American Bowling League:  Founder, Actively involved:  Present President
• Quisqueya Sports Club:  Actively involved:  Past President
• Haverstraw Puerto Rican Day Festival Committee: Actively involved:  Vice President
• St Peter’s Church Cursillo
• St Peter’s Church Cornerstone
• St Peter’s Church Eucharistic Minister
• American Legion Post 130
• Haverstraw Elks Lodge 877
• Board of Trustees, Nyack Hospital
• Institutional Review Board, Nyack Hospital
• Human Resources/Patient Satisfaction, Nyack Hospital
• Audit Committee, Nyack Hospital
• Member of NAACP