Assembly Resolution No. 880

BY: M. of A. Norris

COMMENDING Chief John J. Swick for 40 years as a
law enforcement officer

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished officers and citizens who would devote
themselves 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
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Chief John J. Swick for 40 years as a law enforcement officer;
and

WHEREAS, John J. Swick began his esteemed law enforcement career as
a part-time police officer for the Village of Middleport, New York, on
March 20, 1978; four years later, he became a full-time police officer
for the Village; and

WHEREAS, At the young age of 28, John J. Swick was appointed to the
esteemed position of Police Chief for the Village of Middleport on April
6, 1987; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Chief John J. Swick has accomplished
numerous goals; in April of 2001, he successfully negotiated a contract
with the Town of Royalton for road patrol services, and in 2003, he
negotiated a similar contract with the Town of Hartland; and

WHEREAS, Chief John J. Swick has also served as the liaison with the
Royalton Hartland Central School District, serving as a chaperone at
various events and helping them with student disciplinary issues; and

WHEREAS, Under Chief John J. Swick's luminous leadership, the
Village of Middleport Police Department has earned several AAA Traffic
Safety Awards including five Platinum, three Gold, and two Silver
Awards; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Chief John J. Swick has shared his
extensive knowledge and superior skills training many part-time police
officers who have become deputies of the Niagara County Sheriff's
Department, New York State Troopers, and full-time officers for many
other towns and counties; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his profession and his community, Chief John
J. Swick held several leadership positions with the WNY Chief's
Association, including President; currently, he serves as the Chair of
the Niagara County Traffic Safety Committee; and

WHEREAS, For his heroic efforts and actions in rescuing two women
and four children from an apartment fire on Wednesday, January 8, 2014,
Chief John J. Swick was named the Law Person of the Year by the Judges
and Police Executives Conference of Niagara County; and

WHEREAS, After arriving at the scene of a flame-engulfed two-story
apartment building, Chief John J. Swick and his partner were informed
that there was still a family trapped on the second floor; the two
officers swiftly gained access to a rear window, and caught the four
endangered children as they were lowered down to safety by the two
women; they also helped the two adults climb down a ladder, also to
safety; and

WHEREAS, It is appropriate to recognize and commend such outstanding
law enforcement officers such as Chief John J. Swick for their valued
contributions to the community; 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
commend Chief John J. Swick for 40 years as a law enforcement officer;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Chief John J. Swick.