LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Police Chief Christine Ziemba upon the
occasion of her retirement after 34 years of distinguished service to
the Cheektowaga 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 Police Chief
Christine Ziemba upon the occasion of her retirement after 34 years of
distinguished service to the Cheektowaga Police Department; she offi-
cially retired on Friday, February 25, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Born in Buffalo, New York, Christine Ziemba and her family
later moved to Cheektowaga; she graduated from Maryvale High School and
went on to earn her four-year degree in criminal justice at Buffalo
State College; she commenced her career as a University Police Officer
with the University at Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, In 1976, at a time when female officers were not widely
accepted, 21 year-old Christine Ziemba was hired by the Cheektowaga
Police Department as a Patrol Officer, making her the first female
police officer in the Town of Cheektowaga; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious career, Chief Christine Ziemba
climbed the ranks; she was promoted to Lieutenant in 1985, and was
appointed Chief by the Town Board in March of 2002; and
WHEREAS, In her official acts, Chief Christine Ziemba worked undercov-
er with the Narcotics unit before being assigned to the Juvenile Aid
Bureau; she helped create the Sex Offense Unit, which was, at the time,
the first in the country to have specific officers handle cases after
the initial patrol response, throughout the entire investigation proc-
ess; in her tenure as Chief, she also helped to reinforce partnerships
with other departments and organizations; and
WHEREAS, Also in charge of the Crime Resistance Unit, Chief Christine
Ziemba brought the D.A.R.E. program to all of the town's schools,
commenced the Citizens' Police Academy, conducted child fingerprinting
safety, oversaw the Police Explorers' Program, worked with neighborhood
watch groups, and began recruiting new officers interested in joining
the department; and
WHEREAS, Chief Christine Ziemba has been a pioneer for women in law
enforcement, successfully attaining women's leadership; her dream and
unrelenting ambition helped to pave the way, allowing more women to join
the ranks of law enforcement; 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 Police Chief Christine Ziemba upon the occasion of her retirement
after 34 years of distinguished service to the Cheektowaga Police
Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Police Chief Christine Ziemba.