LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Bethlehem Police Department
Special Services Unit upon the occasion of its designation as recipient
of the Legion Award by the Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post No. 1040 on
March 3, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor the long-
standing efforts of those agencies in the State of New York which dili-
gently contribute to the efficient operation of our criminal justice
system; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Bethle-
hem Police Department Special Services Unit upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the Legion Award by the Nathaniel Adams
Blanchard Post No. 1040, to be celebrated at its Community Awards Cere-
mony on Monday, March 3, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The Bethlehem Police Department Special Services Unit stands
as an integral part of the criminal justice system; its dedicated staff,
Sergeant Hornick and Detectives Radliff, Young, Cross, Rice, Whiteley
and Beck, will continue to provide critical and vital services to the
community of Bethlehem, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Detectives assigned to the Department Special Services
Unit are responsible for the investigation of all major crimes and unat-
tended deaths in the Town of Bethlehem; they are responsible for the
security, storage, accountability and disposition of all evidence and
property coming in to the possession of the police department; and
WHEREAS, In addition, these Detectives work cases with investigators
and detectives from other law enforcement agencies and assist patrol
officers in investigations and arrests, as well as ensure continuity in
the chain of evidence necessary for the successful prosecution of crimi-
nal cases; and
WHEREAS, In 2013, under the luminous direction of Chief of Police
Louis G. Corsi, The Bethlehem Police Department Special Services Unit
Detectives were responsible for investigating 838 cases, resulting in
the arrests of over 150 individuals; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, among countless notable investigations, the
Detectives were pioneers in Albany County by securing the first hate
crime indictment against an individual who targeted the elderly; these
actions led to the arrest of a man also wanted in Georgia, who subse-
quently pled to state prison time; and
WHEREAS, The quality of life in New York State is largely reflective
of the commitment and dedication demonstrated by members of the agencies
which serve to protect, preserve and maintain public order; and
WHEREAS, The tradition of altruistic public service, heroism and lead-
ership embodied by the Bethlehem Police Department Special Services Unit
is of such magnitude as to be worthy of special, statewide recognition;
and
WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values, worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to
honor those individuals who serve to preserve and protect such values,
lauding particularly their unwavering courage and dedication in the
daily performance of their duties; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Bethlehem Police Department Special Services Unit upon the
occasion of its designation as recipient of the Legion Award by the
Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post No. 1040 on March 3, 2014; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to each member of the Bethlehem Police Department Special
Services Unit.