Senate Resolution No. 1785

BY: Senator TEDISCO

RECOGNIZING April 28, 2017, 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
exemplary 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, Ninety Nine Restaurants and RC
Lacy Ford Lincoln Subaru to recognize April 28, 2017, as the 13th 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 28, 2017, 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 RC Lacy Ford Lincoln Subaru in
Catskill; and

WHEREAS, Blue Friday New York expresses its gratitude to the
countless individuals and longtime business partners 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 28, 2017, as Blue Friday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Pat Fox, President, Blue Friday New York, and WGNA.