Senate Resolution No. 1481

BY: Senator JACOBS

COMMENDING Lieutenant Genevieve Rak upon the
occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2017
Community Leader Law Enforcement Award by the
National Federation for Just Communities of Western
New York

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
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Lieutenant Genevieve Rak upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the 2017 Community Leader Law Enforcement Award by the
National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York, celebrated
at its Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at the Buffalo
Convention Center in Buffalo, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Community Leaders Awards recognize
individuals/organizations in WNY who have made significant contributions
to this region through their involvement in volunteer activities and/or
their special achievements in specific areas of community and
professional life; Lieutenant Genevieve Rak truly exemplifies the
National Federation for Just Communities (NFJC) of Western New York's
mission of promoting goodwill, understanding, respect, and trust; and

WHEREAS, For over 30 years, Lieutenant Genevieve Rak has served the
Buffalo Police Department, touching thousands of lives and making
Buffalo a safer and more inclusive community; she is dedicated to
uniting young leaders for positive change; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Genevieve Rak is committed to ensuring that all
young people have an equal opportunity to succeed and grow in Western
New York by working with youth of all races, cultures, and backgrounds,
bringing them together across these divides to provide them with
leadership training and career building skills; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Lieutenant Genevieve Rak works with new
recruits of all local law enforcement agencies, and uses her experiences
in the community to help prepare them for what they will encounter; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Lieutenant Genevieve Rak is actively involved
with two remarkable initiatives: the Buffalo Police Explorer Post No.
102 and the Police Youth Academy, where she works with a diverse group
of teens, training them on proper techniques and tactics, and teaches
them how to be community builders, working as a tight knit, integrated

group to promote messages of equality and anti-bullying; her one-day
Youth Academy involves youth in real dialogue about equality, bridging
the divide that exists between youth and law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, It is appropriate to recognize and commend such outstanding
law enforcement officers as Lieutenant Genevieve Rak for their valued
contributions to the community, and for the special achievements she has
made in her profession as a Buffalo Police Department employee, working
hard to ensure public safety for all its residents; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the
preservation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due
full praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Lieutenant Genevieve Rak upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the 2017 Community Leader Law Enforcement Award by the
National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Lieutenant Genevieve Rak.