Honor Lieutenant Genevieve Rak

Senate Resolution No. 1481 BY: Senator JACOBS COMMENDING Lieutenant Genevieve Rak upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2017 Community Leader Law Enforcement Award by the National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication, command the respect and admiration of their community for their exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those distinguished officers and citizens who would devote themselves to public service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Lieutenant Genevieve Rak upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2017 Community Leader Law Enforcement Award by the National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York, celebrated at its Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at the Buffalo Convention Center in Buffalo, New York; and WHEREAS, The Community Leaders Awards recognize individuals/organizations in WNY who have made significant contributions to this region through their involvement in volunteer activities and/or their special achievements in specific areas of community and professional life; Lieutenant Genevieve Rak truly exemplifies the National Federation for Just Communities (NFJC) of Western New York's mission of promoting goodwill, understanding, respect, and trust; and WHEREAS, For over 30 years, Lieutenant Genevieve Rak has served the Buffalo Police Department, touching thousands of lives and making Buffalo a safer and more inclusive community; she is dedicated to uniting young leaders for positive change; and WHEREAS, Lieutenant Genevieve Rak is committed to ensuring that all young people have an equal opportunity to succeed and grow in Western New York by working with youth of all races, cultures, and backgrounds, bringing them together across these divides to provide them with leadership training and career building skills; and WHEREAS, In addition, Lieutenant Genevieve Rak works with new recruits of all local law enforcement agencies, and uses her experiences in the community to help prepare them for what they will encounter; and WHEREAS, Currently, Lieutenant Genevieve Rak is actively involved with two remarkable initiatives: the Buffalo Police Explorer Post No.

102 and the Police Youth Academy, where she works with a diverse group of teens, training them on proper techniques and tactics, and teaches them how to be community builders, working as a tight knit, integrated group to promote messages of equality and anti-bullying; her one-day Youth Academy involves youth in real dialogue about equality, bridging the divide that exists between youth and law enforcement; and WHEREAS, It is appropriate to recognize and commend such outstanding law enforcement officers as Lieutenant Genevieve Rak for their valued contributions to the community, and for the special achievements she has made in her profession as a Buffalo Police Department employee, working hard to ensure public safety for all its residents; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those dedicated public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the preservation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due full praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Lieutenant Genevieve Rak upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2017 Community Leader Law Enforcement Award by the National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Lieutenant Genevieve Rak.