Honor Suffolk Police Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 502 BY: Senator LAVALLE CONGRATULATING James L. Hughes upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 40 years of dedicated service to the Suffolk County Police Department WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those distinguished 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, The quality of life in these communities is largely reflective of the commitment and dedication demonstrated by members of the agencies which serve to protect, preserve and maintain public order; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate James L. Hughes upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 40 years of dedicated service to the Suffolk County Police Department to be celebrated on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at Majestic Gardens, Rocky Point, New York; 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; James L. Hughes is one such individual; and WHEREAS, Born on February 28, 1951, in Valley Stream, New York, James L. Hughes is the oldest of five children; he graduated from Saint Anthony's High School before earning an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice from Suffolk County Community College; and WHEREAS, James L. Hughes began his illustrious career in law enforcement with the Suffolk County Police Department on July 10, 1978, during which time he served as a Police Officer in the 3rd Precinct Patrol, Street Crime and Crime Control units; and WHEREAS, After being promoted to Detective on August 11, 1986, James L. Hughes valiantly served with the homicide squad from February 15,

1988 until July 9, 2007, when he transferred to the Union Office as Suffolk Detectives Association's 2nd Vice President; and WHEREAS, James L. Hughes climbed the ranks to become 1st Vice President on August 6, 2010, and President on January 3, 2017, the esteemed position from which he officially retired on January 28, 2019; and WHEREAS, A true asset to his profession, James L. Hughes has been a tireless advocate for police officers throughout the State since 2002, as a member of the legislative committee of the New York State Association of PBA's; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Ann, and his three children, Jim Jr., Krystle and Ayden, as well as one granddaughter, Jenna, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; 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 congratulate James L. Hughes upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 40 years of dedicated service to the Suffolk County Police Department, and to wish him well in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to James L. Hughes.