LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Patrick Harkin upon the occasion of his
selection as Deputy Marshal of the Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day
Parade on March 20, 2016

WHEREAS, St. Patrick's Day is a time for people of all nationalities and
generations to assemble and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of
the Irish people throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and provides opportunity for
people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Patrick Harkin upon the occasion of his selection as Deputy Marshal of
the Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 20, 2016;
and
WHEREAS, Patrick Harkin will be marching this year in memory of his
beloved Grandma Winnie, a lifelong Bay Ridge resident who was very proud
of her Irish heritage; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Patrick Harkin grew
up around the block from St. Ephrem's Church, where he attended grammar
school and was active with the sports program; he then attended Xaverian
High School where he learned to play the bagpipes; from 2001-2002, he
served as the band's Pipe Major; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Harkin was awarded a bagpipe scholarship to Iona
College when he graduated from high school in 2002; and
WHEREAS, Eager to explore his Irish roots from the Counties of Tipper-
ary and Donegal, Patrick Harkin took his first trip to Ireland in June
of 2001; and
WHEREAS, Since August of 2005, Patrick Harkin has been a vital member
of the New York City Department of Sanitation; currently, he works in
the Borough Park section of Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his career with the Department, he has also
served as a shop steward, and as an Environmental Police Officer, deal-
ing with the illegal disposal of asbestos and medical waste; he is an
enthusiastic member of the New York Strongest Football Team; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Harkin also enjoys serving bar at various neighbor-
hood establishments, such as Kettle Black, Wicked Monk and Yellowhook
Grille, where he has always been honored to work and become friendly
with the many wonderful residents of Bay Ridge; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known as the Piper, Patrick Harkin has played
the bagpipes at many ceilis, weddings and wakes throughout Bay Ridge; he
also has performed in dozens of St. Patrick's Day parades and at the
Tribeca film festival, as well as multiple dedication and memorial cere-
monies; and
WHEREAS, A noble Irish Man, Patrick Harkin is a proud member of the
Knights of Columbus, Sheridan 908 and Ancient Order of Hibernians, Divi-
sion 12; and
WHEREAS, For the last four years, Patrick Harkin has been a vital
member of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, serving as headquar-
ters liaison and events coordinator; in this capacity, he organized the
groups inaugural bus trip to the Mets' Irish Night this past summer; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his loving fiance, Cate, who
feels privileged to be a part of his life and rejoices in his achieve-
ments; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by over a
lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and

WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Deputy Marshal of the Annual Bay Ridge
St. Patrick's Day Parade, Patrick Harkin embodies the spirit and the
cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great State and
Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Patrick Harkin upon the occasion of his selection as Deputy
Marshal of the Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 20,
2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Deputy Marshal Patrick Harkin.