Senate Resolution No. 1117 BY: Senator RYAN COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Amherst Police Department WHEREAS, The quality of life in New York State is largely reflective of the commitment and dedication demonstrated by members of the agencies which serve to protect, preserve and maintain public order; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those distinguished citizens who devote their life's work and purpose to public service, contributing to the care and welfare of the citizens of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Amherst Police Department; and WHEREAS, This momentous occasion will be celebrated at a number of community events throughout the year, including the burial of a time capsule in late July; the capsule will include a copy of The Bee newspaper, 100th anniversary badges and patches, and letters from Police Chief Scott P. Chamberlin and Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa; and WHEREAS, 100th Anniversary Challenge Coins were also made and presented to the officers of the Amherst Police Department; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1923, the Amherst Police Department has grown and evolved over the last 100 years to become one of the largest police departments in Erie County; today, under the superior leadership of Chief Scott P. Chamberlin, the Department is comprised of approximately 154 sworn officers and supported by 35 full- and part-time civilian employees who provide services to the 117,000 residents of Amherst, the largest suburb of Buffalo, and for the people who live in the Village of Williamsville; and WHEREAS, In 1979, the current police headquarters was opened on John James Audubon Parkway; it came with an advanced lab, allowing for many in-house applications; and WHEREAS, Through the last 100 years, three officers have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and each year, they are honored on the date of their anniversary; and WHEREAS, Each and every officer and staff member is committed to ensuring every citizen with whom they interact is treated with dignity, compassion and respect; the safety and well-being of the members of the community is truly their number one concern as they continue to protect the constitutional freedoms of all and fairly enforce local laws and ordinances and the laws of New York State; and WHEREAS, By working together with the community, the Amherst Police Department diligently works to solve problems, maintain the peace, provide safety and security for citizens and reduce the fear of crime; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Amherst Police Department has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves; and WHEREAS, The tradition of altruistic public service, heroism and leadership embodied by the Amherst Police Department is of such magnitude as to be worthy of special, statewide recognition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Amherst Police Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Chief Scott P. Chamberlin, Amherst Police Department.