LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Yonk-
ers Police Benevolent Association on March 4, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association
to be celebrated at its Annual Installation of Officers and Awards
Dinner on Friday, March 4, 2016, at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel,
Tarrytown, New York; and
WHEREAS, For 100 years, the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association
(PBA) has promoted the welfare of its members and aided them in need for
their mutual benefit and protection; this vital organization has contin-
ually strived to be the protector of those who protect; and
WHEREAS, In 1871, when the Yonkers Police Department was formally
organized, there was an established set of relatively strict rules and
regulations which members were required to adhere to; any failure to
comply with these rules was often met with harsh punishment and penal-
ties being placed against the offending police officer; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the working schedules for the police officer in
those early days were very difficult on family life, allowing very
little time off; for these and many other reasons, including the natural
tendency to join together with others of mutual interest, it was decided
to form an organization which could benefit its members; and
WHEREAS, The Yonkers Police Association (YPA) was thereby formed to
combat unfair treatment of the men and women on the Yonkers Police
Department; on September 8, 1916, A. S. Tompkins, Justice of the Supreme
Court, Westchester County, New York, officially approved and signed the
organization's certificate of incorporation; and
WHEREAS, Patrolman John F. Dahill was elected as the YPA's first Pres-
ident; the following year, on February 15, 1917, this vital association
held its First Annual Entertainment and Dinner Dance Reception at
Philipsburg Hall on Hudson Street; and
WHEREAS, The YPA was managed by five directors, consisting of one
member from Police Headquarters, and one member from each precinct in
the City of Yonkers; the original directors were Police Officers George
A. Ford, William A. Kruppenbacher, Michael J. Gilmartin, and Abraham
Beck, as well as David J. Davis; and
WHEREAS, Besides supporting its members, the Yonkers PBA has supported
many community organizations throughout its 100 year history including
the American Heart Association of America, the Asthma/Allergy Founda-
tion, Police Athletic League, B.P.O.E. Elks, Ronald McDonald House, Big
Brothers/Big Sisters, Rosary Hill Home, Breast Cancer Research, Special
Olympics, Cancer Society Parks and Recreation, Special Olympics Torch
Run, Chamber of Commerce, St. John's Hospital, Christ the King Church,
St. Patrick's Day Committee Christmas Party, The C.R.Y.S.T.L.E. Closet,
Inc., Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, D.A.R.E., East Yonkers Boys and Girls
Club, Untermeyer Performing Arts Foundation, V.F.W. Post 1666, Make a
Wish Foundation, Westchester Burn Center, Westchester Emerald Society,
and P. S. 5 Disabled Children Picnic, as well as the Westchester Victims
Assistance Program; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association, formerly
known as the Yonkers Police Association, continues to serve as a strong

advocate and effective voice for its entire membership; while working to
foster a spirit of camaraderie amongst its members, the organization
also works toward developing a greater understanding, mutual respect,
and a helpful relationship with the citizens its members serve so proud-
ly; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those organiza-
tions which enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and
have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have
earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Yonkers Police Benevolent Asso-
ciation on March 4, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association.