LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recognizing Niagara Falls Police Officers Walter
R. Nichols Jr. and Michael D. Bird for their heroism in the line of duty
on February 7, 2009

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values, worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to
honor those individuals who serve to preserve and protect such values,
lauding particularly their unwavering courage and dedication in the
daily performance of their duties; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize
Niagara Falls Police Officers Walter R. Nichols Jr. and Michael D. Bird
for their heroism in the line of duty on February 7, 2009; and
WHEREAS, A Niagara Falls Police Officer for 18 years, Walter R.
Nichols Jr. is currently assigned to the Traffic Division; he is married
and has three daughters; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Walter R. Nichols Jr. is a member of the United
States Army National Guard and served in Iraq and Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Michael D. Bird has been a Niagara Falls Police Officer for
eight years and currently serves as the K9 officer on the Roving Anti-
Crime Unit; he is married and has two sons; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body would also like to recognize and pay
tribute to the Niagara Falls Memorial Center Emergency Room, the Niagara
Falls Fire Department, Rural Metro Ambulance Services, the Erie County
Medical Center, Erie County Medical Center Security Services, the New
York State Police, the Niagara County Sheriffs Department, the New York
State Parks Police and the Town of Niagara Police Department for their
valuable assistance to Niagara Falls Police Officers Walter R. Nichols
Jr. and Michael D. Bird; and
WHEREAS, It is appropriate to recognize and commend such outstanding
law enforcement officers as Walter R. Nichols Jr. and Michael D. Bird,
who were both wounded, for their valued contributions to the community;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those dedicated
public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the preservation
of order and the protection of others are worthy and due full praise for
their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize Niagara Falls Police Officers Walter R. Nichols Jr. and Micha-
el D. Bird for their heroism in the line of duty on February 7, 2009;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Niagara Falls Police Officers Walter R. Nichols Jr. and
Michael D. Bird.