Capt. Thomas F. Hurley, II  Williamsville East High School, Class of 1982   (Inducted 2017)

Captain Hurley received his commission in 1986 as a Special Duty Officer (Merchant Marine Deck). This was the culmination of four years at SUNY Maritime College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, a minor in Mathematics and a United States Coast Guard Third Mate License. 

Captain Hurley has served as the First Lieutenant aboard the USS Fearless (MSO-442),  Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer aboard the USS Blakely (FF-1072), Vehicle Maintenance Officer (MIUWU-202), Training Officer (Naval Control of Shipping Office), Training, Operations and Executive Officer (Assault Craft Unit Two – Det 205), Officer in Charge (Naval Mobile Construction Batallion-21 Det 215), Training Officer (Supreme Allied Command–Transformation), Executive Officer (MIUWU-214), Deputy Commander (MSRON-8), Battle Watch Captain (CNO OPS & Plans),and Joint Forces Training Center Branch Head (NATO ACT).  He mobilized in 2007 - 2008 as Deputy Commander (Naval Coastal Warfare Squadron – Two One) and again in 2010 – 2011 as the Navy Central Command (NAVCENT) Liaison Officer to Army Central Command (ARCENT).

His civilian employment began as a Systems Field Engineer for the Sperry Systems Management Group working in the Ballistic Missile Submarine Program. Later, he won a fellowship to attend SUNY at Buffalo where he completed a master’s degree in Library Science with honors in 1993. He began work as a Library Media Specialist in the Wilson Central School District and in 1996, began his career in Williamsville at North High School. He also earned certification as a School District Administrator and was the Assistant Principal for the Williamsville Summer School Program from 2000 – 2005. Presently, he is the Library Media Specialist at Williamsville East.

Captain Hurley is authorized to wear the Legion of Merit (1), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (2) and Navy Achievement Medal (3).  He earned a master’s degree in Strategic Studies in 2013 from the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle, PA.

Captain Hurley was the Commander of New York Naval Militia’s Western Command from 2015 through 2017. He is currently Secretary of the Town of Amherst Veteran’s Committee and the Western New York Armed Services Week Chairman for 2018.