Honor Sheriff Harvey Stoddard

Senate Resolution No. 2191 BY: Senator SEWARD MOURNING the death of Harvey E. Stoddard, former Sheriff of Schoharie County, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of a courageous officer who dedicated his purposeful life and career in faithful service to his family, Schoharie County and the New York State Police Department; and WHEREAS, Harvey E. Stoddard, former Sheriff of Schoharie County, New York, died on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at the age of 84; and WHEREAS, Born on June 9, 1932, in Saratoga Springs, New York, the eldest son of the late Harvey S. and Margaret (Warner) Stoddard, Harvey E. Stoddard was a 1950 graduate of Schoharie Central School where he played basketball, soccer and ran relays on the track team; and WHEREAS, After graduation, Harvey E. Stoddard attended Paul Smith's College on a basketball scholarship; after obtaining his degree, he served as a teamster driving a truck for the Schoharie Stone Quarry; and WHEREAS, In April of 1954, Harvey E. Stoddard joined the New York State Police Department where he served for over 20 years; in December of 1974, he was appointed to the distinguished title of Sheriff of Schoharie County, a position from which he officially retired in August of 1997; and WHEREAS, In 1976, Harvey E. Stoddard successfully completed Executive Training with the Bureau of Municipal Police; one year later, he attended the National Sheriff's Institute at the University of Southern California; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Harvey E. Stoddard held several leadership positions within the Sheriff's Association including Sergeant-at-Arms, Vice President, and President; from 1985-1990, he served on the Executive Committee; in this capacity, he worked on numerous New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services projects including Correction History, and the Criminal Justice Data Standardization Committee, as well as several initiatives with the New York State Correction Commission; and WHEREAS, Moreover, Harvey E. Stoddard represented the Sheriff's Association at the Department of Motor Vehicles Law Enforcement Working Group, and the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee; and WHEREAS, Harvey E. Stoddard was instrumental in bringing the D.A.R.E. Program to all Schoharie County schools; he also implemented an Inmate Work Crew Program, and generated revenue through the Schoharie County Jail, which was named in his honor; and WHEREAS, A true public servant, Harvey E. Stoddard was a member of the Advisory Board of Zone 5 Police Academy at Hudson Valley which serves all police departments and sheriff's offices in nine counties; and WHEREAS, Harvey E. Stoddard also worked as a Zone 5 Training Coordinator where he was responsible for authorizing training courses for all police and sheriff's departments; in addition, he was a participant of the Advisory Board to both Summit Shock Correctional Facility and Alternatives to Incarceration; and WHEREAS, In addition to his role as Sheriff, Harvey E. Stoddard was dedicated to his beloved community of Schoharie in numerous other capacities; he was a Boy Scout, and a vital member of the Schoharie Rotary Club, the Schoharie County Historical Society, and the Schoharie Reformed Church; and WHEREAS, When he was not working, Harvey E. Stoddard liked to hunt and camp in the great outdoors, and took great pleasure in tending to his prized rose garden; he also enjoyed cooking, watching sports, and taking care of his pet Vizslas; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Joan (West) Stoddard; his son, Donald Stoddard; and his two brothers, Charles Stoddard and Joseph Stoddard, Harvey E. Stoddard is survived by his three sons, Paul (Darcene) Stoddard, Jerry (Cindy) Stoddard, and John (Amy) Stoddard; two brothers, Roy Stoddard, and John Stoddard; three sisters, Margaret Thibodeau, Nancy Oliver, and Patricia Dewsbury; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, as well as a legion of police officers and friends who will long cherish his memory; and WHEREAS, Former Sheriff Harvey E. Stoddard's record of unimpeachable fairness will endure as an inspiration and living legacy to all who had the privilege and honor of knowing him; and WHEREAS, The family of Former Sheriff Harvey E. Stoddard, including his three sons, Paul, Jerry and John, as well as the members of the New York State Police, the Schoharie County Sheriff's Department, and the citizens of New York, have lost an eminent father, police officer and friend; he was recognized as a pillar within his community, always seeking to build the firmest foundations upon which Schoharie County, New York State and our Nation will continue to grow and prosper; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Harvey E. Stoddard, former Sheriff of Schoharie County, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Harvey E. Stoddard.