Honor Sheriff Barry Virts

Senate Resolution No. 3550 BY: Senator HELMING HONORING Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts upon the occasion of his selection as President of the New York State Sheriffs' Association 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts upon the occasion of his selection as President of the New York State Sheriffs' Association; and WHEREAS, Each year at its winter training conference session, the New York State Sheriffs' Association selects a President who shall call and preside over all meetings of the full membership of the Association; and WHEREAS, The President of the Association also presides over the meetings of the Sheriffs' Executive Committee, in conjunction with the Executive Committee Chairman; and WHEREAS, The President of the Association is also asked to represent all Sheriffs at meetings with state and local officials, present testimony when requested to the members of the New York State Legislature on matters impacting public safety, make all appointments to the various committees established by the Association, and work with the Treasurer on fiscal matters; and WHEREAS, Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts has progressed through each office in the New York State Sheriffs' Association, including Sergeant at Arms, Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President; he has demonstrated his great law enforcement experience and knowledge, his desire to promote the Office of Sheriff, and to assist all Sheriffs in New York State to perform their critical mission to keep safe and secure all people in their respective counties; and WHEREAS, In addition to his role as newly selected President of the New York State Sheriffs' Association, Sheriff Barry Virts has held every position possible for the Wayne County Office of Sheriff; and WHEREAS, Sheriff Barry Virts began his illustrious career with Wayne County as a correction officer in 1977; one year later, he was transferred to road patrol, and in 1985, he was promoted to the title of Sergeant; in this capacity, he supervised night patrols and investigated both serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents as a member of the Crash Reconstruction Team; and WHEREAS, In 1988, Sheriff Barry Virts was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Unit where he served as a hostage negotiator and polygraphist; and WHEREAS, In 1993, Sheriff Barry Virts was promoted to Lieutenant of Criminal Investigations in charge of all major felony crimes; his past coordination, collaboration and assistance to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies were paramount in his assignment to a multi-jurisdiction and agency undercover drug and wiretap investigation with the New York State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigations and Drug Enforcement Agency; and WHEREAS, In 1999, Sheriff Barry Virts assumed the position of Chief Deputy as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Wayne County Jail Facility; throughout his tenure, he supervised a staff of over 100 correction officers, civilians and volunteers; he also managed the jail operations, inmate control, personnel supervision, budget accountability, staff training, union contract negotiations, grievance proceedings, and coordinated and collaborated with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and departments; and WHEREAS, Ten years later, Barry Virts was elected Sheriff of Wayne County, and currently, is serving his second term as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Wayne County; in this leadership position, he is in charge of 192 employees with a budget of over 18 million dollars; and WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his profession, Sheriff Barry Virts has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, and has been a vital member of 13 community and advisory boards including the WC Criminal Justice Council, WC Jail Advisory, Victim Resource Center, WC Diversity Task Force, WC Pretrial Youth and Adult Diversion, Council on Alcoholism and Other Addictions, and WC Fire Chief's Association, as well as WC Housing Consortium; and WHEREAS, Sheriff Barry Virts earned his associate's degree in criminal justice from Erie Community College in Williamsville, New York; he furthered his education by obtaining his bachelor degree in liberal arts from Excelsior College in Albany, New York; 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 Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts upon the occasion of his selection as President of the New York State Sheriffs' Association; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts.