Honor Retiring Police Chief

Senate Resolution No. 3501 BY: Senator BONACIC COMMENDING Chief Ramon Bethencourt upon the occasion of his retirement after 25 years of distinguished service to the Middletown Police Department 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, 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 commend Chief Ramon Bethencourt upon the occasion of his retirement after 25 years of distinguished service to the Middletown Police Department; and WHEREAS, After graduating from the 233rd Session of the FBI National Academy, Chief Ramon Bethencourt served as a patrolman with the Ellenville Village Police for three years; and WHEREAS, In December of 1992, Chief Ramon Bethencourt began his esteemed career with the Middletown Police Department as a patrolman; he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Orange County's first African-American Chief of Police in February of 2010, a position from which he retired on July 31, 2017; and WHEREAS, Chief Ramon Bethencourt will long be remembered and admired for his community-centered approach to policing, and his focus on the deployment of police officers and other department resources into the neighborhoods throughout the City of Middletown; and WHEREAS, A tremendous leader with extensive experience, Chief Ramon Bethencourt served his community with loyalty, honor and distinction for three decades; and WHEREAS, In his official acts, Chief Ramon Bethencourt was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; and WHEREAS, It is the intent 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 Chief Ramon Bethencourt upon the occasion of his retirement after 25 years of distinguished service to the Middletown Police Department, and to wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Chief Ramon Bethencourt.