LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Steven Heider upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Spirit of the Community Award by the
Colonie Chamber of Commerce on January 28, 2016

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Steven Heider 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 honor Steven Heider
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Spirit of the
Community Award by the Colonie Chamber of Commerce; this momentous occa-
sion was celebrated at its Annual Dinner on Thursday, January 28, 2016,
at the Century House, Latham, New York; and
WHEREAS, Steven Heider has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Former Police Chief Steven Heider, who retired last year
after 42 years of distinguished service to the Colonie Police Depart-
ment, received this auspicious honor in recognition of his steadfast and
unremitting commitment to his community, and his role in making Colonie,
New York a better place to live and work; and
WHEREAS, Steven Heider began his illustrious career with the Colonie
Police Department as a Dispatcher in 1973, at just 19 years old; one
year later he became a patrol officer, and rose through the ranks until
he became the fifth Chief of Police in the history of the town on July
7, 2003; and
WHEREAS, An affable administrator, Steven Heider's career spanned more
than four decades, during which time he handled everything from drunk
driver arrests to solving homicides; for 12 years, he led a department
with 160 employees, including 109 officers, and handling 70,000 calls a
year, 3,000 of which lead to arrests; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Steven Heider has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Steven Heider has displayed through-
out his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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
honor Steven Heider upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Spirit of the Community Award by the Colonie Chamber of Commerce on
January 28, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Steven Heider.