Senate Resolution No. 1715

BY: Senator JACOBS

MOURNING the death of Thomas J. Diehl, Town of
Tonawanda Police Lieutenant, hockey coach and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
a courageous police officer who dedicated his purposeful life and career
in faithful service to his family, community and the State of New York;
and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this Legislative Body
records the passing of 33-year-old Town of Tonawanda Police Lieutenant,
Thomas J. Diehl, on Monday, April 10, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Born in Buffalo, New York, Thomas J. Diehl was a 2001
graduate of Kenmore East High School; after graduation, he earned his
bachelor's degree in communications from the University at Buffalo in
2005; and

WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, Thomas J. Diehl joined the Town of
Tonawanda Police Department, where he served as a police officer for
nearly 11 years before taking a leave in 2016 due to illness; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role as a police officer, Thomas J.
Diehl was an instructor in defensive tactics at the Erie County Law
Enforcement Training Academy; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious career, Thomas J. Diehl was the
recipient of numerous awards and accolades for his exceptional police
work including a Report of Commendation, a Certificate of Recognition
and two Letters of Recognition, as well as an American Legion
Certificate of Distinguished Achievement; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong hockey player, Thomas J. Diehl had been a youth
hockey coach for more than 15 years; he was the head coach of the
2005-06 Town of Tonawanda Lightning Squirt Major team, which won the New
York State Tier II Championship; he also held the title of Vice
President of the Lightning organization for more than 10 years; and

WHEREAS, Thomas J. Diehl became a volunteer Assistant Hockey Coach
at Kenmore East in 2007, and helped guide the Bulldogs to state
championships in 2012 and 2016; for his steadfast and unremitting
commitment to the students and the school as a whole, he received the
2016 Cornerstone Award; and

WHEREAS, Thomas J. Diehl is survived by his wife, Dawn M. Diehl; two
sons, Tony Diehl and Thomas "T.J." Diehl, Jr.; two daughters, Summer
Diehl and Teagan Diehl; his parents, James E. and Shawn Diehl; and a
sister, Jaime K. Pichette; and

WHEREAS, A devoted father and husband, respected as a pillar of the
community, Thomas J. Diehl's name is synonymous with character, dignity,
intellect, depth and humor, qualities evident to his family and to all

those who were fortunate enough to have known him; he will be deeply
missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Thomas J. Diehl, Town of Tonawanda Police Lieutenant,
hockey coach and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Thomas J. Diehl.