Senate Resolution No. 4227

BY: Senator LITTLE

MOURNING the death of Chief George G. Bell, Jr.,
family man, distinguished citizen and devoted member
of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
a courageous officer who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to the Villages of both Cambridge and Greenwich,
Washington County, and to the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Chief George G. Bell, Jr. of Cambridge, New York, died on
Sunday, March 11, 2018, at the age of 64; and

WHEREAS, George G. Bell, Jr. was born to the late George G. Bell,
Sr. and Anna Baratto Bell on January 20, 1954; after graduating from
Cambridge Central School, he became the owner of George's Exxon Gas
Station; and

WHEREAS, In 1978, George G. Bell, Jr. began his long and
distinguished career in law enforcement with the Washington County
Sheriff's Department; beginning as a guard at the Washington County
Jail, he was soon appointed Deputy, and rose through the ranks, holding
the titles of Sergeant and Lieutenant; and

WHEREAS, George G. Bell, Jr. served as the K-9 Handler of his dog,
"Deputy Shane," and founded the Explorer Post, where he strived to teach
important life and career skills to young people from all backgrounds
through immersive career experiences and mentorship; and

WHEREAS, George G. Bell, Jr. was also a part-time police officer
with the Village of Cambridge, and in May of 1998, he transferred
permanently to the department as Sergeant; in 2000, he was appointed
Police Chief, a position he proudly held for 18 years; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Chief George G. Bell, Jr. oversaw the
Greenwich Police Department, sharing services with both communities; he
arranged to have a police presence at both Cambridge and Greenwich
Schools, and enjoyed a close partnership with area police agencies; and

WHEREAS, Through his steadfast efforts, Chief George G. Bell, Jr.
turned the department into a strong and vital police force; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role in the police department, Chief
George G. Bell, Jr. was a life member of the Cambridge Volunteer Fire
Department and the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad; and

WHEREAS, When he was not working or helping someone, Chief George G.
Bell, Jr. enjoyed spending time with his treasured family, especially
his grandchildren, and loved to watch NASCAR racing; and

WHEREAS, A truly honorable gentleman, Chief George G. Bell, Jr. will
be remembered for being an all-around good guy; he had a wonderful sense
of humor and a positive attitude, and never turned down a call; he was

the heart and soul of the Cambridge-Greenwich Police Department, and his
dedication to his community will never be forgotten; and

WHEREAS, George G. Bell, Jr. is survived by his wife, the former
Karen Johnson; two sons, Daniel (Lisa) Wardwell and Benjamin (Tracey)
Wardwell; five grandchildren, DeAnna, Carrissa, Garrett, Jacob, and
Ciara; one sister, Ellen Marie (Craig) Larson; and one nephew, Eric
(Janet) Larson, as well as a legion of police officers and friends who
will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Chief George G. Bell, Jr.'s record of unimpeachable
fairness will endure as an inspiration and living legacy to all who had
the privilege and honor of knowing him; and

WHEREAS, The family of Chief George G. Bell, Jr., the
Cambridge-Greenwich Police Departments, and the citizens of New York
State, have lost an eminent father, police officer and friend; he was
recognized as a pillar within his community, always seeking to build the
firmest foundations upon which Washington County, New York State and our
Nation will continue to grow and prosper; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Chief George G. Bell, Jr., family man, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Chief George G. Bell, Jr.