CITY OF NEWBURGH — There are few people Mayor Torrance Harvey feels like he can call in the middle of the night when he needs help, he told a crowd on First Street on Saturday.

"You're gonna call Jesus first," Harvey said. "And then I'm gonna call one of the McLymores, whether it's Daddy McLymore or Rev. (Robert) McLymore."

Robert McLymore Sr., a Town of Wallkill police detective-sergeant and senior pastor at Life Restoration Church, was honored during a ceremony to rename a portion of First and Chambers Streets after the McLymore family.

Several of the day's speakers touched on the McLymores' service to the community. The McLymores have made significant contributions to the church's food pantry on First Street, the Save Our Children program, and community block parties and barbecues.

The new McLymore Square sits outside Life Restoration Church. The congregation was formed in 1999 by Robert McLymore's dad, Michael, according to a previous Times Herald-Record story.

About 50 people attended the ceremony, including members of the church, city officials, members of the Newburgh city school district and police officers of various local departments.

"One thing that's for certain is that his (Robert McLymore's) name can not be said in the district attorney's office, or among law enforcement, without someone mentioning the contributions and the commitment he has to this city," said Jason Rosenwasser, an assistant district attorney representing the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

Robert McLymore has made history while working at the Town of Wallkill Police Department.

McLymore was the first black detective and sergeant in the department. He now oversees the detective bureau of investigations, which he helped create, according to material distributed at Saturday's ceremony.

"I used to ask God, 'Why me?'" he said during his remarks. "I used to say it to myself all the time. 'Why me? Why am I here? Why am I still stuck here? I don't understand.'"

McLymore said he later realized his purpose in Newburgh was to continue the work his parents started locally in the ministry and the community.

McLymore has lived in Newburgh for 42 years. His family has also lived in different areas along South Street, Chambers Street and City Terrace.

He recalled playing basketball at the Glenn Hines Center, when the basketball courts were outdoors, and the YMCA.

Three of his four children, ages 13 through 18, spoke during the ceremony. His youngest child, Zoe, 9, had the honor of unveiling the new McLymore Square sign.

Elisha, 13, thanked his dad for everything he has done for him, including keeping him "well-kept," which made the crowd laugh.

"I know that it gets to be a lot, being the man that you are," his daughter, Azariah, 18, said to McLymore during the ceremony. "I know that whatever you do, you put all of your heart into it. I know you're bound to accomplish so much more ...

"Last year, I remember saying, I think it was at a party, I was like, 'We're going to build our empire.' And this is just the first step."

lbellamy@th-record.com