Senate Resolution No. 1269

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Chief Michael J. Sliwinski,
committed law enforcement officer and devoted member
of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
a courageous and hardworking police officer who dedicated his purposeful
life and career in faithful service to both his community and the
residents of New York State; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this Legislative Body
records the passing of Chief Michael J. Sliwinski of Cheektowaga, New
York, who died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at the age of
55; and

WHEREAS, Truly giving of his heart and soul to his profession in law
enforcement, Michael J. Sliwinski joined the Cheektowaga Police
Department in 1991; he became a Lieutenant in 2004, and was promoted to
Captain in 2011; and

WHEREAS, He continued to rise through the ranks becoming the
Assistant Chief in 2018, and Chief of Police just two years later in
February of 2020; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary officer served the citizens of
Cheektowaga, New York, professionally, faithfully and loyally for three
decades; he truly cared about his community more than himself; and

WHEREAS, Chief Michael J. Sliwinski responded to the scene in New
York City on 9/11; he was also a vital part in the creation of the 2020
state-mandated police reform process; and

WHEREAS, Highly regarded and sincerely respected amongst his peers
and by those he served and protected throughout his illustrious career,
Chief Michael J. Sliwinski was well-versed in the law, well-spoken in
all manners of communication, and was a tough but fair police officer to
all he encountered; and

WHEREAS, Chief Michael J. Sliwinski was the beloved son of the late
Melvin J. and Geraldine B. (nee Cwikalowski) Sliwinski; dearest brother
of the late Darlene, Melvin Jr., and David J. Sliwinski; cherished
nephew of Joyce (Richard) Taylor; he is also survived by the Meeson
Family, and several nieces and nephews, as well as many friends; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Chief Michael J. Sliwinski leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all he served and befriended; he will be deeply missed and truly
merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Chief Michael J. Sliwinski, and to express its
deepest condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Chief Michael J. Sliwinski.