Senate Resolution No. 4166

BY: Senator KENNEDY

HONORING Chief Thomas J. Moran posthumously upon
the occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Chief Thomas
J. Moran posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, The youngest of six children, Thomas J. Moran attended St.
Ambrose School and was a 1986 graduate of Bishop Timon High School; he
went on to earn a bachelor's degree from SUNY Brockport, majoring in
English and writing, and worked as a counselor at Father Baker Homes
before joining the Buffalo Police Department in 1994; and

WHEREAS, Officer Thomas J. Moran spent most of his early career at
precincts on the city's East Side; he was a Police Benevolent
Association at-large representative; and

WHEREAS, In 1999, Thomas J. Moran married the former Kelly
Buczkowski, in St. Ambrose Church, where they were both lifelong parish
members; and

WHEREAS, In 2006, as an officer with what was then the
Ferry-Fillmore District, he and another officer received the Edward H.
Butler Award for Heroism for stopping an armed robbery in a store and
arresting the holdup man; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, Thomas J. Moran was promoted to Lieutenant and in
2013, was named Chief in South Buffalo's District A; and

WHEREAS, Chief Thomas J. Moran also served as a member/past
Commander in the Buffalo Police Underwater Recovery Unit for seven
years; and

WHEREAS, As Chief, Thomas J. Moran, when asked to do something,
would, without hesitation, complete the task; he was truly "a good guy,"

to borrow a phrase he often uttered about others; furthermore, he was a
great leader who saw the good in everyone he met; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated member of the community he loved, Thomas J.
Moran was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of
Hibernians and marched with the club in the St. Patrick's Day parade;
and

WHEREAS, Thomas J. Moran passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018;
predeceased by his parents, James and Helen (Mannion) Moran; one sister,
Kathleen Gilmour; and his father-in-law, Stanley Buczkowski, he is
survived by his wife, Kelly Buczkowski Moran; two daughters, Ava and
Lila; four brothers, James (Darlene), Kevin, Brian (Julie), and
Terrance; his mother-in-law, Joanne Buczkowski; brother-in-law, Michael
(Diane) Buczkowski; and sister-in-law, Kathy (Tim) Driscoll; as well as
many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; 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; Thomas J. Moran
is one such individual; 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
honor Chief Thomas J. Moran posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

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