Senate Resolution No. 530

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMENDING Steven J. Stepniak upon the occasion of
his retirement after 32 years of distinguished
service to the City of Buffalo, Department of Public
Works

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors
serve to enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Steven J. Stepniak upon the occasion of his retirement after 32
years of distinguished service to the City of Buffalo, Department of
Public Works; he officially retired on February 1, 2019; and

WHEREAS, For more than three decades, Steven J. Stepniak rendered
faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the City of Buffalo,
Department of Public Works, including 11 as Commissioner overseeing over
800 employees; and

WHEREAS, Steven J. Stepniak was the longest-serving Commissioner of
Public Works, Parks & Streets in Mayor Byron Brown's administration; and

WHEREAS, He was instrumental in supervising the $6.22 million
renovation of the former Dillon federal courthouse on Niagara Square as
the new headquarters of the Buffalo Police Department and Buffalo Fire
Department; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his position with the Department of Public Works,
in 1987, Steven J. Stepniak was employed with the city as a general
laborer, and, over the years, he has worked many jobs within the
department; and

WHEREAS, This esteemed employee worked full time until his last day
helping the City of Buffalo recover from a major snow storm; and

WHEREAS, Steven J. Stepniak served with loyalty, honor and
distinction, was governed by a keen sense of duty, and always showed a
unique grasp of human problems; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with City of Buffalo, Department of
Public Works, Steven J. Stepniak earned the admiration, esteem and
affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, While a student at McKinley High School and Canisius
College, Steven J. Stepniak was a star baseball player; he played for
two years with the Cleveland Indians organization before suffering a
career-ending injury; due to his outstanding athleticism, he was
inducted into the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Miriam, and their
three children, Matthew, Blake and Michaela, as well as his mother,

Regina and his father, the late Stanley, all of whom feel privileged to
be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; 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
honor Steven J. Stepniak upon the occasion of his retirement after 32
years of distinguished service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Steven J. Stepniak.