LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the tragic and untimely death of New
York City Police Officer Omar J. Edwards

WHEREAS, The quality of life in the communities of the State of New York
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 express its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
New York City Police Officer Omar J. Edwards, a courageous law enforcer
who dedicated his purposeful life and career in faithful and exemplary
service to his family, the community he served, and the New York City
Police Department; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
acknowledge the tragic and untimely death of New York City Police Offi-
cer Omar J. Edwards of Brooklyn, New York, on Thursday, May 28, 2009, at
the age of 25, and to pay just tribute to his life and many accomplish-
ments; and
WHEREAS, Born on February 4, 1984, in Queens, New York, Omar Jamaal
Edwards was one of two children of Ricardo Edwards and Natalia Harding;
and
WHEREAS, Omar J. Edwards developed a strong desire to become a police
officer from early on in his life due to his involvement as a youth
counselor with the 73rd Precinct; and
WHEREAS, When Omar J. Edwards attended high school, he fell in love
with the game of football; he was an extremely fast runner and convinced
his mother to let him play on the team; and
WHEREAS, An avid Giants fan, Omar J. EdWards went on to play football
as a member of the Brooklyn Mariners; he also played on the New York
Police Department Football Team; and
WHEREAS, Omar J. Edwards had a great sense of humor and made a friend
of all those he met; his warmth and compassion will be greatly missed by
his colleagues, family, friends, and the community he served so well,
but never forgotten; and
WHEREAS, Omar J. Edwards is survived by his loving wife, Danielle; two
young sons, Xavier and Keanu; his mother, Natalia Harding; his father,
Ricardo Edwards; a brother, Alfonso Williams; grandmothers, Maria Burk-
ett and Maria Edwards; grandfather, George Harding; and numerous aunts,
uncles, cousins and friends; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Omar J. Edwards 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; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the tragic and untimely death of New York City Police Officer Omar
J. Edwards; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Omar J. Edwards.