Senate Resolution No. 1853

BY: Senator JACOBS

COMMENDING Michael Mombrea Jr. upon the occasion
of his retirement after 40 years of distinguished
service to WIVB-TV Channel 4

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, that the quality
and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched
by the faithful and untiring efforts of those individuals who have
helped shape the history of broadcasting; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Michael Mombrea Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement after 40
years of distinguished service to WIVB-TV Channel 4; and

WHEREAS, The chief photographer's career was celebrated at a
ceremony held in his honor on his last day, Friday, May 24, 2019; in
addition, a farewell video made by his colleagues was aired during
newscasts; and

WHEREAS, Following in his father's footsteps, Michael Mombrea Jr.
began his long and distinguished career with WIVB-TV Channel 4 in 1979;
shortly thereafter, he began to travel the world on assignment with
reporter Rich Newberg; through the years, they worked on several
award-winning news documentaries including "Lost Childhood: The Story of
the Birkenau Boys"; most recently, he worked with reporter Luke Moretti;
and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, this master storyteller was always
willing to take a risk to get the shot, whether it was sneaking on a
train or landing a plane on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the
Pacific Ocean; and

WHEREAS, Highly respected by all, Michael Mombrea Jr. is truly a
trailblazer in the industry; even as technology changed from film and
videotape to digital format, his ability to capture the essence of his
subject matter never wavered; he has graciously shared his craft with
new employees, and was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of
Fame; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his esteemed career, Michael Mombrea Jr. served
WIVB-TV Channel 4 with intelligence and caring dedication, continuously
striving to effectively fulfill the duties of his position; and

WHEREAS, Sincerely loved and greatly respected by his many fans and
his colleagues, Michael Mombrea Jr. will be remembered for his honesty,
integrity, keen sense of duty and ability to show a unique grasp of
human problems in his official acts; 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 high standards in their
profession, 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 Michael Mombrea Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement after 40
years of distinguished service to WIVB-TV Channel 4, and to wish him
continued success in his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michael Mombrea Jr.