Senate Resolution No. 4414

BY: Senator GOLDEN

COMMENDING Monsignor Robert J. Romano upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
by the Detective Barney Ferguson Emerald Legacy Fund
on May 31, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those men and women of religious
commitment who accept the responsibility of moral leadership and render
the wisdom of human understanding; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Monsignor Robert J. Romano upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Detective Barney Ferguson Emerald Legacy Fund
to be celebrated at its 4th Annual 10-13/May Day Event on Thursday, May
31, 2018, at Juliano's Restaurant in New Rochelle, New York; and

WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Monsignor Robert J. Romano
has continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary
intelligence, and diligent leadership in his unwavering service to his
community and profession and consequently has been selected for this
most prestigious honor; and

WHEREAS, A native of Brooklyn, New York, Robert J. Romano earned his
Bachelor of Arts degree from Cathedral College in Douglaston, New York,
and a Master of Divinity degree from the Seminary of the Immaculate
Conception in Huntington, New York; he also received his certification
in Pastoral Counseling from the Post-Graduate center for Mental Health
in New York City; and

WHEREAS, On May 28, 1977, Robert J. Romano was ordained to the
Priesthood for the Diocese of Brooklyn, where he currently serves as
Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in the Dyker Heights section of
Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, The Reverend Robert J. Romano began his long and
distinguished career serving the needs of the uniformed, civilian and
retired members of the department as well as their families as the
Chaplain of both the Police Self Support Group and the New York City
Police Department (NYPD) Honor Legion; and

WHEREAS, On October 13, 1998, Reverend Robert J. Romano was
appointed Chaplain of the NYPD; in March of 2001, he was named the
Department's Administrative Chaplain, as well as the Chaplain of the
Brooklyn-Queens Holy Name and Regina Coeli Societies; in that same year,
he became Chaplain of the Committee of Police Societies (COPS), the
Columbia Association, Survivors of the Shield and the Deceased Officers
Parents Group; and

WHEREAS, Chaplain Robert J. Romano was a reassuring presence during
the aftermath of the horrific terrorist attacks in New York City on
September 11, 2001; he responded to the World Trade Center about an hour
after the collapse of the second tower, and from that day until mid-June

of 2002, he celebrated Mass every Sunday, at the site, for members of
the Emergency Service Unit, as well as the families of those missing;
and

WHEREAS, On August 29, 2002, former Commissioner Raymond Kelly
promoted Chaplain Robert J. Romano as the first Deputy Chief Chaplain of
the NYPD; he is also the Chaplain of several other law enforcement
agencies as well as a host of police fraternal organizations; and

WHEREAS, In March of 2007, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI appointed
Robert J. Romano a Chaplain to His Holiness with the title Monsignor; 10
years later, he was promoted by Commissioner James P. O'Neill to the
newly created rank of Assistant Chief Chaplain; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given
enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and
has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and
corporal needs of all; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Monsignor Robert J. Romano upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by the Detective Barney Ferguson Emerald Legacy
Fund on May 31, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Monsignor Robert J. Romano.