Honor Chief John J. Swick

Assembly Resolution No. 880 BY: M. of A. Norris COMMENDING Chief John J. Swick for 40 years as a law enforcement officer 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 commend Chief John J. Swick for 40 years as a law enforcement officer; and WHEREAS, John J. Swick began his esteemed law enforcement career as a part-time police officer for the Village of Middleport, New York, on

6, 1987; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Chief John J. Swick has accomplished numerous goals; in April of 2001, he successfully negotiated a contract with the Town of Royalton for road patrol services, and in 2003, he negotiated a similar contract with the Town of Hartland; and WHEREAS, Chief John J. Swick has also served as the liaison with the Royalton Hartland Central School District, serving as a chaperone at various events and helping them with student disciplinary issues; and WHEREAS, Under Chief John J. Swick's luminous leadership, the Village of Middleport Police Department has earned several AAA Traffic Safety Awards including five Platinum, three Gold, and two Silver Awards; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Chief John J. Swick has shared his extensive knowledge and superior skills training many part-time police officers who have become deputies of the Niagara County Sheriff's Department, New York State Troopers, and full-time officers for many other towns and counties; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to his profession and his community, Chief John J. Swick held several leadership positions with the WNY Chief's Association, including President; currently, he serves as the Chair of the Niagara County Traffic Safety Committee; and WHEREAS, For his heroic efforts and actions in rescuing two women and four children from an apartment fire on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, Chief John J. Swick was named the Law Person of the Year by the Judges and Police Executives Conference of Niagara County; and WHEREAS, After arriving at the scene of a flame-engulfed two-story apartment building, Chief John J. Swick and his partner were informed that there was still a family trapped on the second floor; the two officers swiftly gained access to a rear window, and caught the four endangered children as they were lowered down to safety by the two women; they also helped the two adults climb down a ladder, also to safety; and WHEREAS, It is appropriate to recognize and commend such outstanding law enforcement officers such as Chief John J. Swick for their valued contributions to the community; 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 commend Chief John J. Swick for 40 years as a law enforcement officer; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Chief John J. Swick.