Honor Chief Cox’s Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 437 BY: Senator BRESLIN CONGRATULATING Chief Brendan Cox upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 20 years of distinguished service to the Albany 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 congratulate Chief Brendan Cox upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 20 years of distinguished service to the Albany Police Department; he will officially retire in January of 2017, ending a long and distinguished career in law enforcement; and WHEREAS, A native of Albany, Brendan Cox, is the son of a stay-at-home mother and a boiler operator who worked two jobs; he attended Christian Brothers Academy and majored in criminal justice at the University of Dayton; he furthered his education by obtaining his Master's degree in public administration from Marist College; and WHEREAS, Brendan Cox began his illustrious career with the Albany Police Department working the night shift patrolling the neighborhoods of West Hill and Pine Hills; in 1998, he was promoted to the position of Sergeant; and WHEREAS, In 2004, Sergeant Brendan Cox was again promoted to the title of Lieutenant, a path which included two tours in the Children and Family Services unit and a brief stint overseeing special operations; two years later, he was elevated to the rank of Commander, where he oversaw the detective division; and WHEREAS, Commander Brendan Cox was named Assistant Chief in 2008, and then Deputy Chief in October of 2013; just two years later, he took over the helm as Chief; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Chief Brendan Cox was instrumental in creating a Citizen Advisory Panel and helped revamp Albany's beat patrols; these vital initiatives aimed to reduce low-level arrests, racial disparities and recidivism; under his leadership, the crime rate for the City was significantly lowered; and WHEREAS, Residents of Albany and his peers credit Chief Brendan Cox with developing a mindset of community policing, while urging his officers to foster a relationship with people they meet while on patrol; and WHEREAS, It is the practice 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 congratulate Chief Brendan Cox upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 20 years of distinguished service to the Albany 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 Brendan Cox.