Assembly Resolution No. 486

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

HONORING Sheriff William E. Yessman, Jr. upon the
occasion of his retirement after 36 years of
distinguished service to Schuyler County Law
Enforcement

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished officers 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 honor Sheriff
William E. Yessman, Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement from
Schuyler County Law Enforcement; and

WHEREAS, William E. Yessman, Jr. began his illustrious career in law
enforcement in 1985, working in both the Schuyler County Jail and the
Emergency Dispatch Center; he received his education and specialized
training from the police course at the Southern Tier Law Enforcement
Academy and was soon promoted to the Sheriff's Road Patrol; and

WHEREAS, In 1991, William E. Yessman, Jr. advanced to the rank of
Sergeant before his promotion to the position of Lieutenant; and

WHEREAS, Ten years later, William E. Yessman, Jr. was appointed
Undersheriff, taking on additional responsibilities as Schuyler County
STOP DWI Coordinator; in 2006, he was elected Sheriff of Schuyler
County, the esteemed position from which he officially retired on
December 31, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Sheriff William E. Yessman,
Jr., Schuyler County was one of the first counties in New York State,
and beyond, to employ body cameras with all deputies; it also holds one
of the lowest crime rates in New York and is widely recognized as a
"safe" community; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, with a reputation for ensuring public safety,
Schuyler County hosts the largest outdoor sporting event in New York
State (NASCAR) as well as several other mass gatherings, all of which
are under the jurisdiction of Sheriff William E. Yessman, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Sheriff William E. Yessman,
Jr. introduced Project Lifesaver, one of the first counties to do so,
and led a Police Reform initiative with the County Administrator; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated not only to law enforcement but to supporting the
men and women of the department, Sheriff William E. Yessman, Jr. is well
respected statewide by his peers and within his local community; and


WHEREAS, Sheriff William E. Yessman, Jr., with his proficient
leadership and love for Schuyler County, truly epitomized the roll of a
community police officer; he tirelessly and selflessly served the
residents of his beloved community with compassion, integrity, and
fairness, attributes which will forever serve as an example for his
fellow officers; 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
honor Sheriff William E. Yessman, Jr. upon the occasion of his
retirement, 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 Sheriff William E. Yessman, Jr.