LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Outgoing Chief of Police James J. McKen-
na upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after
many years of distinguished service to the Town of Hyde Park Police
Department

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those distinguished officers and citizens who would devote themselves 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 Outgoing Chief
of Police James J. McKenna upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after many years of distinguished service to the
Town of Hyde Park Police Department; and
WHEREAS, After 24 years of service to the Town of Hyde Park Police
Department, the last nine as chief, James J. McKenna is retiring, effec-
tive April 3, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Hired in 1985, as a full time police officer responsible for
selective traffic enforcement along with first responder duties, during
his tenure, James J. McKenna rose from patrolman to sergeant to lieuten-
ant to chief of the Town of Hyde Park Police Department; previously he
had served with both the Village of Millbrook and East Fishkill police
departments; and
WHEREAS, James J. McKenna served on active duty in the United States
Marine Corps from 1977 to 1981; he was assigned to the 11th Marines as a
Counter Mortar Radar Operator; and
WHEREAS, A 1976 graduate of John Jay Senior High School in Hopewell
Junction, New York, James J. McKenna has attended both Corning Universi-
ty and Dutchess Community College; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 10, 1957, in Poughkeepsie, New York, James J.
McKenna is a long time Hyde Park resident; he is married to Therese M.
McKenna; he is the proud father of five children: James J. McKenna, Jr.,
Crystal Lee McKenna, Steven J. Relyea, Kristen Elizabeth Relyea, and
Danielle M. Relyea; 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 Outgoing Chief of Police James J. McKenna upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition after many years of distinguished
service to the Town of Hyde Park Police Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James J. McKenna, 20 Sycamore Drive, Hyde Park, New York
12538.