Senate Resolution No. 5773

BY: Senator AVELLA

COMMENDING Robert M. Reid, Sr. 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 Robert M.
Reid, Sr. 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, Robert M. Reid, Sr. grew up in Elmhurst, Queens, New York;
he attended St. Bartholomew Parish and School and Newtown High School
where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Angela, to whom he
has been married for 50 years; together, they raised four children and
are now the proud grandparents of eight grandchildren; they have been
residences of Bayside since 1978; and

WHEREAS, Robert M. Reid, Sr. has had a career in Law Enforcement
with the New York City Police Department; he was sworn in on February 4,
1974, and his career spanned 34 years, 20 of those years as a Detective
working in Units such as Robbery Identification Program, Special
Victims, Intelligence Division, Dignitary Protection, 94 Detective
Squad, 84 Squad and 114 Detective Squad; he retired from the Force on
September 1, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Robert M. Reid, Sr. began working with youth in 1971 when
he coached a team with the Corona Boys Club; he quickly took on the
responsibility of Commissioner of the Boys Club; in 1975, he was hired
as a Youth Director of St. Bartholomew's Youth Club and was responsible
for supervising movie nights, dances, and plays involving the youth, in
addition to holding youth nights each week providing a safe place for
the young people of the parish; and

WHEREAS, Robert M. Reid, Sr. began his involvement with the Bayside
Little League in 1986 and later became Coach, and then Manager before
serving as Director of the Minor League Division which included children
ages 10 through 11; and

WHEREAS, In 1991, Robert M. Reid, Sr. was elected as President of
Bayside Little League and has held that position for 32 years; he has
been responsible for the operation of the league that has included in
excess of 900 children at a time; and

WHEREAS, Robert M. Reid, Sr. is a member of the Board of Our Lady of
the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Academy and the Chairperson for
Marketing; he is also a member of the Dr. Dooley I Fr. McGivney Knights
of Columbus and holds the rank of 4th Degree; he recently joined the
Board of the Northwest Bayside Civic Association; and

WHEREAS, Robert M. Reid, Sr. also volunteers for his church as a
member of the St. Matthew Committee and serves as an usher at the l0:00
am Sunday Mass; 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; Robert M. Reid,
Sr. is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of such high standards,
certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Robert M. Reid, Sr. 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 Robert M. Reid, Sr.