Senate Resolution No. 2253

BY: Senator THOMAS

COMMENDING Sergeant Kevin Reilly upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal,
the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those individuals within the Empire State who have made
strong contributions to their communities and who inspire others through
their model citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Kevin Reilly has given not only of his time and
energies but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently has been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Sergeant
Kevin Reilly upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, A 20-year veteran of the Garden City Police Department,
Sergeant Kevin Reilly has been the recipient of numerous awards and
accolades for his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his profession
and community including the American Legion Law & Order Award and the
Nassau County Municipal Police Chief's Association Distinguished Service
Award; this esteemed officer also serves his department as a Firearms
Instructor and Armorer; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his work in law enforcement, Sergeant Kevin
Reilly has served his country and state as a member of the New York Army
National Guard for over 23 years, officially retiring with the rank of
Major in November of 2006; and

WHEREAS, Major Kevin Reilly spent six months deployed to Ground Zero
after 9/11, one and a half years active duty deployment in 2004 and
2005, and was activated out of retirement in 2008 for two years of
active duty deployment to Maiwand, Afghanistan, where he served as
Commander of the Police Mentor Team Mongoose, a 12 man team which
advised, trained and mentored the Afghan Police and District Leadership;
while deployed, he was injured when his armored vehicle drove over an
IED while on a patrol; and

WHEREAS, For his brave and meritorious service, Major Kevin Reilly
was presented with the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and several other
distinguished awards; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Sergeant Kevin Reilly has
displayed throughout his life; and


WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Sergeant Kevin Reilly upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sergeant Kevin Reilly.