LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Undersheriff Robert J. Lighthall upon
the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service
to the Oswego County Sheriff's Office on March 31, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished officers and citizens who would devote them-
selves 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 exem-
plary 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 honor
Undersheriff Robert J. Lighthall upon the occasion of his retirement
after 33 years of distinguished service to the Oswego County Sheriff's
Office, to be celebrated at a dinner on Saturday, April 2, 2011, at
Castaways Riverside Restaurant, Brewerton, New York; and
WHEREAS, Son of Edwin and Barbara Lighthall, Robert J. Lighthall is a
graduate of the Mexico Academy and Central School, and Jefferson Commu-
nity College (JCC) from which he received an Associate in Science degree
in science, majoring in Criminal Justice, in May of 1977; he has since
served on the Public Safety Advisory Board for JCC for the past six
years; and
WHEREAS, For over three decades, Robert J. Lighthall rendered faith-
ful, conscientious and valuable service to Oswego County Sheriff's
Office, earning the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues;
and
WHEREAS, His career began at the Oswego County Correctional Facility
with his first appointment to the position of Correction Officer in May
of 1977; he received a promotion to the rank of CO II Corporal in June
of 1979; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure at the Oswego County Sheriff's Office,
Robert J. Lighthall had the privilege of working with all divisions of
the department; on January 11, 1981, he was appointed to the position of
Deputy Sheriff; his law enforcement career continued rising through the
ranks to Sergeant on October 19, 1987, and Lieutenant on December 1,
1997; two years later, he accepted the appointment to the position of
Undersheriff; and
WHEREAS, In this capacity, Robert J. Lighthall served with loyalty,
honor and distinction, and was governed by a keen sense of duty and
always showed a unique grasp of human problems in his official acts; and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Lighthall was awarded the department's Distin-
guished Service Award for his work in accident reconstruction after
solving several hit and run accidents during 1989-1990; over the years,
he continued to receive many commendations for his outstanding police
work; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable officer is currently a member and former
officer of the Fraternal Order of Police-Lodge No. 1; currently, he
serves as Vice Chair of the Oswego County Traffic Safety Board, as well
as many other local and law enforcement committees; and
WHEREAS, Upon retirement, Robert J. Lighthall plans to join in the
operation of the family business, the Yogi Bear Jellystone Camp-Resort
located in Mexico, New York; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife, Christine,
four children, and eight grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to
be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; 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 Undersheriff Robert J. Lighthall upon the occasion of his retire-
ment after 33 years of distinguished service to the Oswego County Sher-
iff's Office; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Undersheriff Robert J. Lighthall.