LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Chief Arthur B. Hill,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Chief of the New York Police Department Arthur (Artie) B.
Hill of St. Albans, New York, died on Thursday, July 22, 2010, at the
age of 88; and
WHEREAS, Arthur B. Hill was born in New York in 1922 and grew up in
Harlem; he graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School, the Bronx in 1940
and proudly served in the United States Army during World War II from
1942 to 1946; and
WHEREAS, Upon an honorary discharge from military service, Arthur B.
Hill took civil service exams and was called to join the New York City
Police Department in 1946; he was assigned to the 28th Precinct and rose
through the ranks; and
WHEREAS, An exemplary leader, Arthur B. Hill was promoted to the rank
of Sergeant in 1959 while serving in the 42nd and 49th Precincts; he was
then advanced to the esteemed position of Lieutenant in 1961 and
received a variety of assignments to work in the 20th Precinct, as well
as the 5th Division, the 40th Precinct and in the Planning Bureau where
he worked as a system analyst; he had the honor of serving as Commanding
Officer of the Malcolm X funeral detail in February, 1965; and
WHEREAS, Arthur B. Hill was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1965
and worked in the 5th and 6th Divisions of the NYPD before he was
appointed the second African American commanding officer of the 28th
Precinct; and
WHEREAS, While studying for promotions, Arthur B. Hill attended John
Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY where he earned a Bachelor's degree
in Police Science and a Master's degree in Police Administration; and
WHEREAS, His extraordinary trailblazing career continued when Arthur
B. Hill was appointed to the rank of Deputy Inspector in 1967 and was
assigned to the 6th Division in Harlem; on September 16, 1969, Arthur B.
Hill was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief Inspector and transferred
to the 13th Division, Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Chief Hill became the first African American commander of the
Support Service Unit, which was formerly known as the Special Operations
Division; he oversaw NYPD Tactical Patrol Force, Aviation, Emergency
Service and Harbor Patrol Units; and
WHEREAS, Respected by his fellow officers, Arthur B. Hill was promoted
to the rank of Assistant Chief in September, 1971 and retired in Janu-
ary, 1973; during his illustrious career, Chief Hill received two
Commendations, three Meritorious and three Excellent Police Duty Awards
along with numerous citations for outstanding community service; and
WHEREAS, Arthur B. Hill distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Arthur B. Hill's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, In retirement, Chief Hill joined several civic organizations;
he served on several board of directors for charitable organizations,
including the Apollo Theater; he was the long-time Executive Secretary
of the Guy R. Brewer Club; Chief Hill also enjoyed a second career as an
executive for the United Parcel Service; and

WHEREAS, Arthur B. Hill is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia, and
his children, Arthur, Jr., Ernest, Victoria and Joanne; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Arthur B. Hill leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Chief Arthur B. Hill, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Arthur B. Hill.