Honor Chief George G. Bell

Senate Resolution No. 4227 BY: Senator LITTLE MOURNING the death of Chief George G. Bell, Jr., family man, 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 the Villages of both Cambridge and Greenwich, Washington County, and to the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Chief George G. Bell, Jr. of Cambridge, New York, died on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at the age of 64; and WHEREAS, George G. Bell, Jr. was born to the late George G. Bell, Sr. and Anna Baratto Bell on January 20, 1954; after graduating from Cambridge Central School, he became the owner of George's Exxon Gas Station; and WHEREAS, In 1978, George G. Bell, Jr. began his long and distinguished career in law enforcement with the Washington County Sheriff's Department; beginning as a guard at the Washington County Jail, he was soon appointed Deputy, and rose through the ranks, holding the titles of Sergeant and Lieutenant; and WHEREAS, George G. Bell, Jr. served as the K-9 Handler of his dog, "Deputy Shane," and founded the Explorer Post, where he strived to teach important life and career skills to young people from all backgrounds through immersive career experiences and mentorship; and WHEREAS, George G. Bell, Jr. was also a part-time police officer with the Village of Cambridge, and in May of 1998, he transferred permanently to the department as Sergeant; in 2000, he was appointed Police Chief, a position he proudly held for 18 years; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Chief George G. Bell, Jr. oversaw the Greenwich Police Department, sharing services with both communities; he arranged to have a police presence at both Cambridge and Greenwich Schools, and enjoyed a close partnership with area police agencies; and WHEREAS, Through his steadfast efforts, Chief George G. Bell, Jr. turned the department into a strong and vital police force; and WHEREAS, In addition to his role in the police department, Chief George G. Bell, Jr. was a life member of the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department and the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad; and WHEREAS, When he was not working or helping someone, Chief George G. Bell, Jr. enjoyed spending time with his treasured family, especially his grandchildren, and loved to watch NASCAR racing; and WHEREAS, A truly honorable gentleman, Chief George G. Bell, Jr. will be remembered for being an all-around good guy; he had a wonderful sense of humor and a positive attitude, and never turned down a call; he was the heart and soul of the Cambridge-Greenwich Police Department, and his dedication to his community will never be forgotten; and WHEREAS, George G. Bell, Jr. is survived by his wife, the former Karen Johnson; two sons, Daniel (Lisa) Wardwell and Benjamin (Tracey) Wardwell; five grandchildren, DeAnna, Carrissa, Garrett, Jacob, and Ciara; one sister, Ellen Marie (Craig) Larson; and one nephew, Eric (Janet) Larson, as well as a legion of police officers and friends who will long cherish his memory; and WHEREAS, Chief George G. Bell, Jr.'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 Chief George G. Bell, Jr., the Cambridge-Greenwich Police Departments, and the citizens of New York State, 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 Washington 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 Chief George G. Bell, Jr., family man, 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 Chief George G. Bell, Jr.