Senate Resolution No. 3440

BY: Senator AKSHAR

CONGRATULATING Sheriff Thomas Mills upon the
occasion of his retirement after 18 years of
distinguished service to Delaware County

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 contributions and service on behalf of others; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate
Sheriff Thomas Mills upon the occasion of his retirement after 18 years
of distinguished service to Delaware County; and

WHEREAS, Born to Hugh and Avice Mills, Thomas and his two brothers,
Charles and Alan grew up on the family farm in Franklin, New York; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from high school, Thomas Mills proudly
served his country as a member of the United States Marines from August
of 1963 until October of 1966; during the Dominican Civil War, he was
deployed to Santo Domingo; at the time of his discharge, he had attained
the esteemed rank of Corporal; and

WHEREAS, After returning to New York, Thomas Mills was hired as a
patrolman by the City of Oneonta Police Department in 1966; two years
later, he graduated from the New York State Police Academy and became a
New York State Trooper; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Thomas Mills was assigned to the Margaretville
barracks where he remained until he became Sergeant in 1981; after his
promotion, he served in the New York State Police Department at the
Bethpage, Riverhead, Deposit, and Sidney barracks; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Thomas Mills was then elevated to the position of
Station Commander of the Margaretville barracks in 1986; during this
time, he also served as a police instructor at the State Police Academy
in Albany, New York; one year later, he officially retired from the New
York State Police; and

WHEREAS, Upon his retirement from public service, Thomas Mills sold
real estate and worked in landscaping for a few years; he then returned
to his earlier vocation and held the title of Special Deputy/Corrections
Officer for the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, primarily working as a
dispatcher; he also served as a patrolman for the Village of Delhi
Police Department; and

WHEREAS, In January of 1999, Thomas Mills was elected to the role of
Sheriff of Delaware County, a title he held until his official
retirement on August 28, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Thomas Mills spearheaded and
implemented the county-wide 911 system, and was instrumental in building
the new Public Safety Building/Jail; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his profession, Sheriff Thomas Mills was a
vital member of the New York State Sheriff's Association, New York State
Sheriff's Association Institute, New York State Sheriff's Camp, and the
Delaware County Shields; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role as a valued public servant, Sheriff
Thomas Mills has been a strong leader in his community, participating in
numerous worthy organizations including the Masons, the Delhi Kiwanis,
the Delhi VFW Post, American Legion, United Way, and Boy Scouts of
America, where he was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for his
lifelong service to Scouting; he also serves as an Elder in the Church
of Latter Day Saints; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Patricia, and their
four children, Michael, SarahJane, Trecia and Daniel, who have all shown
him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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
honor Sheriff Thomas Mills upon the occasion of his retirement after
more than 18 years of distinguished service to Delaware County; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sheriff Thomas Mills.