LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Wilfred J. Brooks posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County
at its Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on August 8, 2016

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend these
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Wilfred J. Brooks posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran
Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, August 8, 2016, at the Rensselaer
County Office Building's Hall of Heroes, Troy, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born August 11, 1942, in Troy, New York, Wilfred J. Brooks
was one of three children born to Wilfred J. and Edith (Frink) Brooks;
he attended Saint Jude's Elementary School and Catholic Central High
School, in Troy, New York; and
WHEREAS, Wilfred J. Brooks served his country as a member of the
United States Army from 1962 through 1965; his exceptional service
earned him the Good Conduct Medal, and he was recognized as an accom-
plished Marksman (Rifle) and Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14); and
WHEREAS, After returning home from his assignment, Wilfred J. Brooks
started working full-time at the Capital District Transportation Author-
ity (CDTA) as a bus driver, and part-time in Security; shortly after, he
married and started raising his family in Watervliet, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1970, Wilfred J. Brooks began working part-time for the
Watervliet Police Department; seven years later, he moved to Troy, New
York, and worked part-time for the North Greenbush Police Department;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, Wilfred J. Brooks served as a member of the
Rensselaer County Law Enforcement Association from 1977 through 2015,
serving as President from 2010 until his death; and
WHEREAS, Wilfred J. Brooks was instrumental in securing two new memo-
rial statues for members of the Rensselaer County Law Enforcement Asso-
ciation, and for the K9 police dogs who had passed away; the statues are
located at the Rensselaer County Jail in Rensselaer, New York; and
WHEREAS, Before retiring in 2003 from CDTA, Wilfred J. Brooks was
known for decorating his CDTA bus at Christmas time, and for playing
Santa at Carroll Hill School in Troy, New York, as well as Papa's
Restaurant in Watervliet; and
WHEREAS, Wilfred J. Brooks enjoyed travelling to Florida to play slot
machines and visiting his friends; he was also known for his devotion to
his family, his dog "Flash" and his many friends; and
WHEREAS, Wilfred J. Brooks died on Wednesday, August 5, 2015, at the
age of 72; and
WHEREAS, Wilfred J. Brooks was a loving husband to his wife, Jean, and
former spouse, Sandra Flanigan, and a caring father to his three chil-
dren, Christine Westcott, David and Lori, and his six grandchildren,
Meghan, Michael, Kytear, Nikolas, Jenna and Tayah; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their

lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Wilfred J. Brooks posthumously upon the occasion of his desig-
nation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-De-
ceased-Veteran Ceremony on August 8, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Wilfred J. Brooks.