Senate Resolution No. 5625

BY: Senator RANZENHOFER

HONORING Detective Cathy Onions upon the occasion
of her retirement after nearly 38 years of
distinguished service to the Amherst Police
Department

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 honor Detective
Cathy Onions upon the occasion of her retirement after nearly 38 years
of distinguished service to the Amherst Police Department; and

WHEREAS, Cathy Onions began her illustrious career in law
enforcement in 1980, as the department's first female police officer;
and

WHEREAS, After 15 years as a patrol officer, Cathy Onions worked for
12 years in the Family Offense Unit, helping provide justice to domestic
violence victims and their families; during this time, she initiated
support groups and created a food pantry for people in need; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman then became a Safety Education
Officer while she worked to earn a bachelor's degree; and

WHEREAS, In the safety education role, Cathy Onions served as a Drug
Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) instructor for all of the town's
schools; additionally, she led the department's annual Youth Police
Academy, an internship which allows teenagers the opportunity to learn
about law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, Cathy Onions was promoted to Detective in 2013, the
esteemed position from which she officially retired on Wednesday, May
16, 2018; 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 Detective Cathy Onions upon the occasion of her retirement after
nearly 38 years of distinguished service to the Amherst Police
Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Detective Cathy Onions.