Assembly Resolution No. 976

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

CONGRATULATING Chief Donald Wolanin upon the
occasion of his retirement after more than 40 years
of distinguished service to the New York Mills
Police Department

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Chief
Donald Wolanin upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 40
years of distinguished service to the New York Mills Police Department;
and

WHEREAS, After earning his Associates of Applied Science degree in
criminal justice from Mohawk Valley Community College, Donald Wolanin
graduated from the Municipal Police Training Basic Course and Police
Supervisor Course, Highway Drug Interdiction Instructors Course, and the
Law Enforcement Bicycle Patrol Course; he is also certified in Doppler
radar and Vascar, and is a certified field training officer; and

WHEREAS, Donald Wolanin began his career in law enforcement in 1973,
working as a Police Officer for the New York Mills Police Department;
during this time, he also served as a bus driver for the New York Mills
School District; and

WHEREAS, In 1980, Donald Wolanin became the Chief of Police for the
New York Mills Police Department, and served in that capacity until his
transfer to the Whitestown Police Department in 1988; the following
year, he was promoted to the position of Sergeant, and then to Chief in
2002 until his retirement in 2014; and

WHEREAS, Donald Wolanin returned to the New York Mills Police
Department in 2016, where he once again held the esteemed title of
Chief, the position from which he retired for the second time on April
14, 2020; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his meritorious work in law enforcement,
Chief Donald Wolanin proudly served his country as a member of the
United States Army Reserves, where he retired with the rank of Command
Sergeant Major in 2000; and

WHEREAS, In his much deserved retirement, Chief Donald Wolanin plans
to spend more time with his loving wife and two sons, and outdoors,
fishing, hunting and boating; and

WHEREAS, The great State of New York is fortunate to have brave
public servants like Chief Donald Wolanin who risked their lives in the
line of duty each day to protect the residents of our communities; no
greater debt is owed than that owed to those who are willing to put
service over self; 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
congratulate Chief Donald Wolanin upon the occasion of his retirement
after more than 40 years of distinguished service to the New York Mills
Police Department, and to wish him well in all his future endeavors; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Chief Donald Wolanin.