LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Robert J. Heyward upon the occasion of
receiving the Community Service Award from the Women's Welfare Club of
Mt. Vernon

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor serve to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great 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 commend
Robert J. Heyward upon the occasion of receiving the Community Service
Award from the Women's Welfare Club of Mt. Vernon; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Robert J. Heyward has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence, and
diligent leadership in his unwavering service to both his community and
profession; and
WHEREAS, A life-long resident of New York State, Robert J. Heyward was
born and raised in the village of Harlem and educated in New York's
Catholic schools; he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology
from the New York Institute of Technology with honors (Psi Chi); and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Heyward had a long and distinguished career as a
member of the New York City Police Department; he is a retired Detective
and a decorated member of the Honor Legion; and
WHEREAS, During his esteemed tenure, Robert J. Heyward served with the
New York City Narcotic's Division, United States Office of Drug Abuse
Law Enforcement (ODALE), The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task
Force and the New York City Police Department's Detective Division; upon
his retirement, he pursued and received his Juris Doctorate from New
York Law School; and
WHEREAS, On August 20, 1989, Robert J. Heyward joined the New York
City Housing Police Department as an Attorney, where he was quickly
recognized for his expertise and command of the law, as well as, his
keen insight into policing and public housing; on December 20, 1989, he
was promoted to Department Advocate and then on June 21, 1991, he was
appointed as the first Director of Legal Matters; in this capacity, he
served on the Executive Board of the New York City Housing Authority,
advising on all matters impacting the New York City Housing Police, the
Nation's fourth largest police department; and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Heyward later served the Housing Police Officers as
the General Counsel/Inter-Governmental Matters of the New York City
Housing Authority's Patrolman's Benevolent Association, Inc., advising
its active and retiree's Security Benefit Funds, the Officer's Annuity
Fund, and Special Counsel of the New York City Housing Police Variable
Supplement Fund with the City of New York; he served in this title until
the Department was subsumed into the New York City Police Department;
and
WHEREAS. While still practicing law, Robert J. Heyward has also been
called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic and
charitable endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Heyward presently serves on the Board of Directors
for Collin Allen Day Care, Inc., where he was instrumental in the reor-
ganization and formation of the Day Care into its current not-for-profit
status; and
WHEREAS, A man of great faith, Robert J. Heyward is an Associate
Pastor at the Strait Gate Church in Mamaroneck, New York; he is also

actively involved in assisting Bishop Powell in revitalizing and devel-
oping the church family at Strait Gate; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Robert J. Heyward is an experienced advocate who
has been influential in the development and operation of many private
and public corporations in the area of finance, compliance, enter-
tainment law and consumer related products; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Robert J. Heyward has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Robert J. Heyward has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Robert J. Heyward upon the occasion of receiving the Community
Service Award from the Women's Welfare Club of Mt. Vernon; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert J. Heyward.