Senate Resolution No. 157 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING Judge Michael L. Dwyer, upon the occasion of his retirement, after 28 years of distinguished service to the Oneida County Court in Utica, New York WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stature 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 congratulate Judge Michael L. Dwyer, upon the occasion of his retirement, after 28 years of distinguished service to the Oneida County Court; and WHEREAS, Despite having a father who was an attorney, Michael L. Dwyer never considered that career for himself; he graduated from Notre Dame High School and continued his education in history and economics at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York; and WHEREAS, In his second or third year in college, a school counselor suggested Michael L. Dwyer consider studying law; taking that suggestion seriously, he took the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) after which he attended St. John's University School of Law in New York City; and WHEREAS, After graduating from law school, Michael L. Dwyer had no desire to pursue criminal law; however, the first job he was offered was that of a prosecutor; and WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Oneida County Court, Michael L. Dwyer competently advanced through his career; in 1993, he was promoted to First Assistant in the District Attorney's office; three years later, he became a judge; and WHEREAS, After first donning his robe in 1996, for 28 years, Judge Michael L. Dwyer, a lifelong resident of New Hartford, New York, rendered his decisions for the cases brought before him as fairly as he could; some cases affected him more strongly than others, but he always remained professional in his judgments; and WHEREAS, With Judge Michael L. Dwyer throughout his career have been his wife, Marty, a former special education teacher in Utica, and their four children, two of whom have become attorneys; they all feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and WHEREAS, Now retired, Judge Michael L. Dwyer looks forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and traveling with his wife; and WHEREAS, While serving the Oneida County Court, Judge Michael L. Dwyer served with loyalty, honor, and distinction; in his official acts, he was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems, assisting others in need and providing essential services to members of his community; and WHEREAS, Judge Michael L. Dwyer has stated that his favorite part of his job was being able to help others, especially those who ultimately just needed the helping hand he could provide; due to his ability to empathize with others, he has earned the admiration, esteem, and affection of his colleagues; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Judge Michael L. Dwyer, upon the occasion of his retirement, after 28 years of distinguished service to the Oneida County Court; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Judge Michael L. Dwyer.