LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Chief Matthew T. Byrne upon the occasion
of his retirement after many years of distinguished service to the
Middletown Police Department on December 26, 2009

cms WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished officers and citizens who would devote them-
selves to public service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in
providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their communities
and this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their exem-
plary contributions and service on behalf of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Chief Matthew
T. Byrne upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distin-
guished service to the Middletown Police Department on December 26,
2009; and
WHEREAS, The City of Middletown Police Benevolent Association will
recognize Chief Byrne for his extraordinary career at a retirement cele-
bration to be held on Friday, January 15, 2010, at Kuhl's Highland
House, Middletown, New York; and
WHEREAS, One of ten Irish siblings, Chief Byrne was born in the Bronx
and attended Middletown Schools; he proudly served his Country as a MP
in the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Chief Byrne graduated from John Jay College with a Master's
degree in Public Administration; he later received additional training
when he attended the 211th session of the FBI National Academy in 2002;
and
WHEREAS, Prior to joining the Middletown Police Department, Chief
Byrne was a member of the Town of Wallkill Police Department for five
years, leaving as a Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, Chief Byrne began his esteemed career with the City of
Middletown Police Department on August 8, 1994; displaying great leader-
ship skills, he was advanced to Lieutenant on July 18, 1997; he was then
appointed as Bureau Commander of Services on January 1, 1998, a position
he proudly served in until he was promoted to Chief of Police on April
6, 2002; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Goshen, New York, Chief Byrne is a Criminal
Justice Instructor at Orange County Community College; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure as the Chief of Police, Matthew T.
Byrne served the City of Middletown with intelligence and caring dedi-
cation, continuously striving to effectively fulfill the duties of his
position; and
WHEREAS, Sincerely loved and highly respected by all those with whom
he worked, Chief Byrne will be remembered for his honesty, integrity,
keen sense of duty and ability to show a unique grasp of human problems
in his official acts; and
WHEREAS, Chief Byrne will be greatly missed by all the members of the
Middletown Police Department but never forgotten; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Elizabeth, and their
children, Brendan and Kendra, all of whom feel privileged to be a part
of his life and rejoice in his achievements; 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
honor Chief Matthew T. Byrne upon the occasion of his retirement after
many years of distinguished service to the Middletown Police Department
on December 26, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Chief Matthew T. Byrne.