2011-J1671
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Leonard Ricchiuti upon the occasion of
being inducted into the Bishop Maginn High School Hall of Fame
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge institutions and individuals of remarkable integri-
ty and character who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic
Empire State with their strong contributions to the community and model
citizenship; and
WHEREAS, The steadfast and unyielding commitment of parents, educa-
tors, and administrators, to provide the highest quality education for
students is the hallmark and tradition of Bishop Maginn High School; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Leonard Ricchiuti upon the occasion of being inducted into the Bishop
Maginn High School Hall of Fame on Friday, May 6, 2011, at the Shaker
Ridge Country Club in Loudonville, New York; and
WHEREAS, This special event is to honor former student-athletes,
distinguished alumni, and alumni who have demonstrated outstanding
service from Bishop Maginn and its heritage schools: St. Joseph's, St.
Ann's, Cathedral Academy, St. John's, Cardinal McCloskey, and Vincentian
Institute; and
WHEREAS, Leonard Ricchiuti is a 1978 graduate of Bishop Maginn High
School; he was born and raised in Albany's South End and has served the
community as a member of the Albany Police Department since 1981; and
WHEREAS, In 1987, Leonard Ricchiuti was sworn in as a Police Officer,
then a Police Sergeant and later a Detective; he has always had a
special interest in the protection and rights of children, and has
combined his love of youth with police work; and
WHEREAS, Leonard Ricchiuti served as a D.A.R.E. Officer, presenting
Drug Abuse Resistance Education to school children throughout the capi-
tal city; he is the President of the American Little League in Albany's
South End and has served on various community committees, including the
YMCA North Albany Steering Committee and the City of Albany's Youth
Empowerment Committee; and
WHEREAS, Leonard Ricchiuti has been honored as a Jefferson Award
recipient by the American Institute for Public Service and was awarded
last year's Hometown Hero Award from the American Red Cross; throughout
his career with the Albany Police Force, he volunteered for the Albany
Police Athletic League activities, and was appointed Executive Director
in September of 2002; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of Bishop Maginn's Service Award, Leonard
Ricchiuti was also elected to serve on the National Association of
Police Athletic League's Board of Directors; under his direction, Albany
PAL has flourished, steadily adding exciting and innovative programs to
benefit Albany's youth; he is a true asset to society; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Mary, and their chil-
dren Sara and Amy, 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 when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Leonard Ricchiuti upon the occasion of being inducted into the
Bishop Maginn High School Hall of Fame; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Leonard Ricchiuti.