LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Police Chief Steven Heider upon the
occasion of his retirement after 42 years of distinguished service to
the Colonie 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
Steven Heider upon the occasion of his retirement after 42 years of
distinguished service to the Colonie Police Department, to be celebrated
with a party held in his honor, on Thursday, June 18, 2015, at The
Desmond Hotel, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Steven Heider began his esteemed law enforcement career,
spanning over four decades, with the Town of Colonie as a Dispatcher in
1973; one year later, he became a Patrol Officer at the young age of 20,
and rose through the ranks until holding the position of Chief of Police
on July 7, 2003, a title from which he will officially retire in July of
2015; and
WHEREAS, In his capacity as Chief, Steven Heider has led a department
comprised of 160 employees, including 109 officers, which handles 70,000
calls a year; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Chief Steven Heider did
and saw it all, arresting drunken drivers to solving homicides; he will
fondly remember his days out on the street solving crimes; and
WHEREAS, Known as a consistent leader and very community-oriented,
Chief Steven Heider was instrumental in initiating a victim advocacy
program and creating a computer crimes lab; in addition, he was always
focused on how to deter juveniles from becoming involved in crimes; 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 Steven Heider upon the occasion of his retirement
after 42 years of distinguished service to the Colonie Police Depart-
ment, and to wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Police Chief Steven Heider.