Assembly Resolution No. 453

BY: M. of A. Lopez

MOURNING the death of Harvey E. Stoddard, former
Sheriff of Schoharie County, distinguished citizen
and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
a courageous officer who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family, Schoharie County and the New York State
Police Department; and

WHEREAS, Harvey E. Stoddard, former Sheriff of Schoharie County, New
York, died on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at the age of 84; and

WHEREAS, Born on June 9, 1932, in Saratoga Springs, New York, the
eldest son of the late Harvey S. and Margaret (Warner) Stoddard, Harvey
E. Stoddard was a 1950 graduate of Schoharie Central School where he
played basketball, soccer and ran relays on the track team; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, Harvey E. Stoddard attended Paul Smith's
College on a basketball scholarship; after obtaining his degree, he
served as a teamster driving a truck for the Schoharie Stone Quarry; and

WHEREAS, In April of 1954, Harvey E. Stoddard joined the New York
State Police Department where he served for over 20 years; in December
of 1974, he was appointed to the distinguished title of Sheriff of
Schoharie County, a position from which he officially retired in August
of 1997; and

WHEREAS, In 1976, Harvey E. Stoddard successfully completed
Executive Training with the Bureau of Municipal Police; one year later,
he attended the National Sheriff's Institute at the University of
Southern California; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Harvey E. Stoddard held several
leadership positions within the Sheriff's Association including
Sergeant-at-Arms, Vice President, and President; from 1985-1990, he
served on the Executive Committee; in this capacity, he worked on
numerous New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services projects
including Correction History, and the Criminal Justice Data
Standardization Committee, as well as several initiatives with the New
York State Correction Commission; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, Harvey E. Stoddard represented the Sheriff's
Association at the Department of Motor Vehicles Law Enforcement Working
Group, and the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee; and

WHEREAS, Harvey E. Stoddard was instrumental in bringing the
D.A.R.E. Program to all Schoharie County schools; he also implemented
an Inmate Work Crew Program, and generated revenue through the Schoharie
County Jail, which was named in his honor; and

WHEREAS, A true public servant, Harvey E. Stoddard was a member of
the Advisory Board of Zone 5 Police Academy at Hudson Valley which

serves all police departments and sheriff's offices in nine counties;
and

WHEREAS, Harvey E. Stoddard also worked as a Zone 5 Training
Coordinator where he was responsible for authorizing training courses
for all police and sheriff's departments; in addition, he was a
participant of the Advisory Board to both Summit Shock Correctional
Facility and Alternatives to Incarceration; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role as Sheriff, Harvey E. Stoddard was
dedicated to his beloved community of Schoharie in numerous other
capacities; he was a Boy Scout, and a vital member of the Schoharie
Rotary Club, the Schoharie County Historical Society, and the Schoharie
Reformed Church; and

WHEREAS, When he was not working, Harvey E. Stoddard liked to hunt
and camp in the great outdoors, and took great pleasure in tending to
his prized rose garden; he also enjoyed cooking, watching sports, and
taking care of his pet Vizslas; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Joan (West) Stoddard;
his son, Donald Stoddard; and his two brothers, Charles Stoddard and
Joseph Stoddard, Harvey E. Stoddard is survived by his three sons, Paul
(Darcene) Stoddard, Jerry (Cindy) Stoddard, and John (Amy) Stoddard; two
brothers, Roy Stoddard, and John Stoddard; three sisters, Margaret
Thibodeau, Nancy Oliver, and Patricia Dewsbury; eight grandchildren,
nine great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, as well as a
legion of police officers and friends who will long cherish his memory;
and

WHEREAS, Former Sheriff Harvey E. Stoddard's record of unimpeachable
fairness will endure as an inspiration and living legacy to all who had
the privilege and honor of knowing him; and

WHEREAS, The family of Former Sheriff Harvey E. Stoddard, including
his three sons, Paul, Jerry and John, as well as the members of the New
York State Police, the Schoharie County Sheriff's Department, and the
citizens of New York, have lost an eminent father, police officer and
friend; he was recognized as a pillar within his community, always
seeking to build the firmest foundations upon which Schoharie County,
New York State and our Nation will continue to grow and prosper; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Harvey E. Stoddard, former Sheriff of Schoharie
County, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Harvey E. Stoddard.