Assembly Resolution No. 643

BY: M. of A. Gandolfo

COMMENDING the members of Chapter 37 New York upon
the occasion of participating in the 2022 Police
Unity Tour to be held May 9-11, 2022

WHEREAS, The quality of life in New York State is largely reflective
of the commitment and dedication demonstrated by members of the agencies
which serve to protect, preserve and maintain public order; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens who devote their life's work and
purpose to public service, contributing to the care and welfare of the
citizens 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 the members of Chapter 37 New York upon the occasion of
participating in the 2022 Police Unity Tour to be held May 9-11, 2022,
in conjunction with the observance of May of 2022, as National Police
Month; and

WHEREAS, In May of 1997, the Police Unity Tour was organized by
Officer Patrick P. Montuore of the Florham Park Police Department, with
the hope of bringing public awareness to Police Officers who have died
in the line of duty and to honor their sacrifices; and

WHEREAS, The Police Unity Tour started with 18 riders on a four-day
fundraising bicycle ride from Florham Park, New Jersey, to the National
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C., which raised
$18,000.00; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Police Unity Tour has over 1,900 members
nationwide who make the trip; in late 2005, the Police Unity Tour
pledged $5 million in support of the National Law Enforcement Museum;
and

WHEREAS, Inspired by their commitment and motto, "We Ride For Those
Who Died", the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has
selected the Police Unity Tour to be the sponsor of the Museum's Hall of
Remembrance; and

WHEREAS, In 2016, with the construction of the National Law
Enforcement Officers Museum well underway, it was announced that in
addition to the Hall of Remembrance, the Entry Pavilion to the Museum
would be named in honor of the Police Unity Tour; and

WHEREAS, As of May 2020, the Police Unity Tour has donated over $30
million, which included this year's donation of approximately $2
million; and

WHEREAS, Police Unity Tour Chapter 37 New York was started by Port
Authority police officers in 2002, and named in honor of the 37 Port
Authority Police Department officers who were killed in the line of duty
on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center; and


WHEREAS, Although designated the New York chapter, its membership of
active and retired law enforcement officers also includes police
departments from California, New Jersey and New Hampshire; in addition,
Chapter 37 views themselves as the 9/11/01 Memorial Chapter; and

WHEREAS, The original Chapter 37 members are represented by members
of the Port Authority NY/NJ; Huntington Beach, California; Glendale,
California; Nassau County and the New York City Police Departments; and

WHEREAS, A pledge was made by the original members of Chapter 37
that they will always start their Tour at the World Trade Center to
honor, respect and remember the 72 officers who lost their lives
September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the members of Chapter 37 New York upon the occasion of
participating in the 2022 Police Unity Tour; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Police Unity Tour Chapter 37 New York.