Senate Resolution No. 939

BY: Senator ADDABBO

HONORING Detective Thomas Bernard Bell III upon
the occasion of his designation of the 2016 Cop of
the Year Award by the 104th Precinct Community
Council of Queens, New York

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values, worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to
honor those individuals who serve to preserve and protect such values,
lauding particularly their unwavering courage and dedication in the
daily performance of their duties; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Detective Thomas Bernard Bell III upon the occasion of his designation
for the 2016 Cop of the Year Award by the 104th Precinct Community
Council; and

WHEREAS, Detective Thomas Bernard Bell III is receiving this
auspicious award for his outstanding contributions to the community; and

WHEREAS, Prior to beginning his career with the NYPD, Thomas Bernard
Bell III proudly served his country as a member of the United States
Navy during the Gulf War; after his discharge, he attended the John Jay
College of Criminal Justice; and

WHEREAS, In July of 1999, Thomas Bernard Bell III joined the NYPD,
where he served both the 47th Precinct and 108th Precincts before coming
to the 104th Precinct in June of 2000; in 2013, he was promoted to the
esteemed position of Detective; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished career, Detective Thomas
Bernard Bell III has been a vital asset to the department; he has
apprehended dangerous criminals, helped to save the life of an
eight-year-old child with leukemia by having him airlifted from Juniper
Valley Park, rejuvenated the 104th Precinct Community Council, and
coordinated the first Cops and Kids Program in the precinct; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, Detective Thomas Bernard Bell III
has diligently worked to keep his neighborhoods safe from harm,
demonstrated extraordinary responsiveness to local concerns, and
provided welcome leadership in organizing and coordinating large annual
events; and

WHEREAS, Detective Thomas Bernard Bell III was also instrumental in
developing the Queens Clergy Council, coordinated the annual Santa Comes
to the 104th Precinct event, played a leading role in school, street and
park renaming and rededications in honor of fallen service members, and

was deeply involved in spearheading community-wide relief efforts in the
wake of Hurricane Sandy in 2012; and

WHEREAS, For his unparalleled dedication, exemplary service, and
contributions to the community, Detective Thomas Bernard Bell III was
the recipient of numerous awards and accolades by the New York City
Council, state government entities and a wide variety of local
organizations; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Monique Bell; his
son, Brandon; and his two stepdaughters, Anastasia and Raaquel, all of
whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
accomplishments; 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, 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 Detective Thomas Bernard Bell III upon the occasion of being named
the 2016 Cop of the Year by the 104th Precinct Community Council; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Detective Thomas Bernard Bell III.