LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recognizing April 29, 2016 as Blue Friday

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those distinguished officers and citizens who would devote themselves 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 contribution and service on behalf of others; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in participating in
significant dates of recognition; and
WHEREAS, Albany radio station WGNA has joined forces with Blue Friday
New York, Hannaford Supermarkets and Ninety Nine Restaurants to recog-
nize April 29, 2016, as the 12th Annual Blue Friday in honor of all law
enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty as
well as all of those who still protect and serve; and
WHEREAS, On August 6, 2004, Albany Police Officer Pat Fox proposed the
creation of a local chapter of the National Concerns of Police Survivors
(COPS), and joining with area law enforcement officers, chartered the
first ever chapter of COPS in the nation; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, the Capital Region COPS Chapter was incorporated as
the Blue Friday New York nonprofit organization; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Blue Friday New York is to help rebuild the
lives of survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of
duty by serving as a clearinghouse for federal and state benefits,
information, and resources that may be available to surviving families;
and
WHEREAS, Each year, approximately 140 to 160 officers are killed in
the line of duty and their families and co-workers are left to cope with
the tragic loss; and
WHEREAS, Blue Friday is a reminder to pay tribute to those in the law
enforcement community who have made the ultimate sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, On April 29, 2016, WGNA and Blue Friday New York will be
accepting donations at the Hannaford store on Wolf Road in Colonie, the
Ninety Nine Restaurant in Wilton, and Advance Auto Parts in Catskill;
and
WHEREAS, Blue Friday New York expresses its gratitude to the countless
individuals and longtime business partners like Saratoga Eagle Sales and
Services who have supported this program over the years and furthered
its mission; and
WHEREAS, Since 2005, Blue Friday has continued to grow with over 50
different police agencies participating in the Capital District area;
and
WHEREAS, The State of New York is eternally grateful for the service
of its brave men and women in law enforcement, and applauds the efforts
of Blue Friday New York to assist the families of those who have made
the ultimate sacrifice; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize April 29, 2016, as Blue Friday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Pat Fox, President, Blue Friday New York, and WGNA.