Honor Retiring Conservation Officer

Senate Resolution No. 1042 BY: Senator BOYLE COMMENDING Environmental Conservation Officer Major Timothy Huss upon the occasion of his retirement after 39 years of distinguished public service to Suffolk County WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stature of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who are devoted to the welfare of their community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Environmental Conservation Officer Major Timothy Huss upon the occasion of his retirement after 39 years of distinguished public service to Suffolk County to be celebrated on Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Shandon Court in East Islip, New York; and WHEREAS, Born and raised on the East End of Long Island, Timothy Huss has resided in Islip, New York, for most of his life; in June of

1982, supervising the Central Zone before transferring into the Division's newly created Marine Enforcement Unit in 2002; and WHEREAS, Due to his astute work ethic, Lieutenant Timothy Huss was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2007, where he was responsible for the day to day operations of all the Region 1 Officers and Lieutenants; eight years later, he was promoted to the esteemed title of Major, the position from which he officially retired on February 23, 2017; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to his profession, Major Timothy Huss enjoyed protecting the legal users of natural resources, both recreational and commercial; he was also relentless in his pursuit of violators and abusers of these resources, working day and night to apprehend these criminals; and WHEREAS, A true pillar of environmental safety in Suffolk County for many years, Major Timothy Huss was instrumental in creating multiple environmental conservation laws such as the Commercializing Law which imposed higher fines and jail times based on the value of the fish or game which was illegally taken or trafficked, and the Safe Harbor Guidance for law enforcement, which outline the procedures and requirements for vessels declaring safe harbor due to personnel emergency, mechanical issues or weather; and WHEREAS, Additionally, Major Timothy Huss helped found multiple organizations such as the New York Conservation Officers Association, a non-profit, non-union and non-political organization whose mission is to bring the outdoors to the youth, underprivileged and handicapped; and WHEREAS, Major Timothy Huss was an integral part of the foundation of the Youth Conservation Program, a two day course offering education for hunters in conjunction with field exercises to 35 youths each spring; and WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Major Timothy Huss has been the recipient of numerous awards including the 2012 Owen Johnson Award from the Peconic River Sportsman's Club, the Suffolk Alliance of Sportsmen and the New York Rifle and Pistol Association for his dedication to protecting our outdoor resources; in 1995, he was also named the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officer's Association's Officer of the Year for his exemplary contributions to promoting wildlife protection at a national level; and WHEREAS, A valued friend, an outstanding mentor, and a dedicated worker, Major Timothy Huss, throughout the entire period of his community service, a period of constructive involvement, has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor and will be sorely missed by his coworkers and constituents; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Linda, their three sons, Matthew, Daniel and Adam, and three grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and WHEREAS, Major Timothy Huss has served the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, law enforcement, the environment, and the people of the State of New York with honor and distinction; his accomplishments and contributions will most assuredly be recorded as significantly improving the quality of life for us all; 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 Environmental Conservation Officer Major Timothy Huss upon the occasion of his retirement after 39 years of distinguished public service to Suffolk County, and to wish him well in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Environmental Conservation Officer Major Timothy Huss.