LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Paul Watzka upon the occasion of his
retirement from the Town of Ulster Police Department

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 Police Chief
Paul Watzka upon the occasion of his retirement in 2010 from the Town of
Ulster Police Department after 38 years of loyal service; and
WHEREAS, Starting his career as a deputy for the Ulster County Sher-
iff's Office in 1972, Paul Watzka joined the Kingston Police Department
the following year where he moved up the ranks from officer to detec-
tive, then sergeant and later lieutenant; and
WHEREAS, Paul Watzka also served as a deputy chief in the Kingston
department until ultimately being named Ulster Police Chief in 2001
where he remained until his retirement in 2010; and
WHEREAS, During his nine years with the town, Paul Watzka transformed
the department into the professional agency it is today; under his lead-
ership, the Ulster Police strived to fulfill, and met all 132 rigorous
standards toward earning accreditation from the state Department of
Criminal Justice Services; and
WHEREAS, Under the seasoned leadership of Paul Watzka, Ulster County
Police Department excelled in every aspect of professionalism in the
field of law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, Described by co-workers as the epitome of a true law-enforce-
ment professional, Paul Watzka is more than just a boss to those who
work for him, he is a friend who is always understanding and fair; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Lu-Ann, and his two
loving daughters, Brittany and Kerri, 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 Paul Watzka upon the occasion of his retirement from Town of
Ulster Police Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Paul Watzka.