Congratulating Sheriff Thomas Mills upon the occasion of his retirement after 18 years of distinguished service to Delaware County

Senate Resolution No. 3440 BY: Senator AKSHAR CONGRATULATING Sheriff Thomas Mills upon the occasion of his retirement after 18 years of distinguished service to Delaware County WHEREAS, It is the custom 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, 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Sheriff Thomas Mills upon the occasion of his retirement after 18 years of distinguished service to Delaware County; and WHEREAS, Born to Hugh and Avice Mills, Thomas and his two brothers, Charles and Alan grew up on the family farm in Franklin, New York; and WHEREAS, After graduating from high school, Thomas Mills proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marines from August of 1963 until October of 1966; during the Dominican Civil War, he was deployed to Santo Domingo; at the time of his discharge, he had attained the esteemed rank of Corporal; and WHEREAS, After returning to New York, Thomas Mills was hired as a patrolman by the City of Oneonta Police Department in 1966; two years later, he graduated from the New York State Police Academy and became a New York State Trooper; and WHEREAS, Trooper Thomas Mills was assigned to the Margaretville barracks where he remained until he became Sergeant in 1981; after his promotion, he served in the New York State Police Department at the Bethpage, Riverhead, Deposit, and Sidney barracks; and WHEREAS, Sergeant Thomas Mills was then elevated to the position of Station Commander of the Margaretville barracks in 1986; during this time, he also served as a police instructor at the State Police Academy in Albany, New York; one year later, he officially retired from the New York State Police; and WHEREAS, Upon his retirement from public service, Thomas Mills sold real estate and worked in landscaping for a few years; he then returned to his earlier vocation and held the title of Special Deputy/Corrections Officer for the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, primarily working as a dispatcher; he also served as a patrolman for the Village of Delhi Police Department; and WHEREAS, In January of 1999, Thomas Mills was elected to the role of Sheriff of Delaware County, a title he held until his official retirement on August 28, 2017; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Thomas Mills spearheaded and implemented the county-wide 911 system, and was instrumental in building the new Public Safety Building/Jail; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to his profession, Sheriff Thomas Mills was a vital member of the New York State Sheriff's Association, New York State Sheriff's Association Institute, New York State Sheriff's Camp, and the Delaware County Shields; and WHEREAS, In addition to his role as a valued public servant, Sheriff Thomas Mills has been a strong leader in his community, participating in numerous worthy organizations including the Masons, the Delhi Kiwanis, the Delhi VFW Post, American Legion, United Way, and Boy Scouts of America, where he was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for his lifelong service to Scouting; he also serves as an Elder in the Church of Latter Day Saints; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Patricia, and their four children, Michael, SarahJane, Trecia and Daniel, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 honor Sheriff Thomas Mills upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 18 years of distinguished service to Delaware County; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Sheriff Thomas Mills.