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J2171Senate2025-2026 SessionResolution

Honor William Sawyer Retirement

Official title

“Honoring William Sawyer upon the occasion of his retirement after 43 years of distinguished service to Fort Stanwix”

Sponsor Joseph A. GriffoSD-53
Status
Adopted
Impact
1/10
Minimal
Outcome
Adopted

What's happening

This resolution honors William Sawyer for his 43 years of service to Fort Stanwix.

Why it matters

  1. Highlights the significant impact of William Sawyer’s work on Fort Stanwix in Rome, NY, a site of major historical importance to the state and nation, showing the value of long-term local stewardship in preserving New York’s Revolutionary War heritage.

  2. Underscores the role of dedicated public servants—like park rangers, historians, and community educators—in enriching community life and fostering public understanding of history, especially in upstate regions where such sites are central to local identity and tourism.

  3. Serves as a formal recognition from state legislators, reinforcing the importance of supporting and honoring those who contribute to the maintenance, interpretation, and public engagement efforts at New York’s historic landmarks.

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Who cares

  • William Sawyer and his family

    They are directly honored and affected by this public recognition of his long career and contributions.

  • Fort Stanwix staff, volunteers, and community partners

    Colleagues, volunteers, and local partners who worked with Sawyer will care about this acknowledgment of a key figure in their institution’s history.

  • Local community in Boonville and Rome, NY

    Residents familiar with Fort Stanwix or with Sawyer’s work may value this recognition as a reflection of their community’s history and pride.

  • New York State legislators and officials

    Elected representatives promoting civic engagement and historical preservation care about recognizing individuals who exemplify public service and enhance the state’s reputation.

Headline styles

Honor William Sawyer Retirement

Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.

Sponsors

Primary sponsor
Joseph A. Griffo

Senator · Senate District 53

No co-sponsors yet.

History

  1. Adopted
  2. Reported to calendar for consideration
  3. Referred to finance

Full text

1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗

Senate Resolution No. 2171 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING William Sawyer upon the occasion of his retirement after 43 years of distinguished service to Fort Stanwix WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge those individuals whose… Show all

Senate Resolution No. 2171 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING William Sawyer upon the occasion of his retirement after 43 years of distinguished service to Fort Stanwix WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stature of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor William Sawyer upon the occasion of his retirement after 43 years of distinguished service to Fort Stanwix; and WHEREAS, For the past 43 years, William Sawyer rendered faithful, conscientious, and valuable service to Fort Stanwix; and WHEREAS, Known as "the fort that never surrendered," Fort Stanwix, under the command of Colonel Peter Gansevoort, successfully repelled a prolonged siege, in August 1777, by British, German, Loyalist, Canadian, and American Indian troops and warriors commanded by British General Barry St. Leger; and WHEREAS, Born June 10, 1962, William "Bill" Sawyer grew up in Boonville, New York and attended Adirondack Central School where he was heavily involved in the music curriculum and music activities in the community; and WHEREAS, William Sawyer graduated in 1980, then he earned an Associate's Degree in Music from Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, New York, and a Bachelor's Degree in Music from Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, William Sawyer began his career at Fort Stanwix in 1982, as a volunteer musician and in 1983, he became a seasonal staff member; this led to a permanent position as a National Park Ranger in the early

2000's; and WHEREAS, Over the years, William Sawyer has been the lead park military field musician, historian, living history coordinator, historic weapons supervisor, and volunteer program coordinator; and WHEREAS, In his capacity as National Park Ranger,… Show all

2000's; and WHEREAS, Over the years, William Sawyer has been the lead park military field musician, historian, living history coordinator, historic weapons supervisor, and volunteer program coordinator; and WHEREAS, In his capacity as National Park Ranger, William Sawyer served with loyalty, honor and distinction; and WHEREAS, In his official acts, William Sawyer was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; and WHEREAS, During his tenure with Fort Stanwix, William Sawyer earned the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor William Sawyer upon the occasion of his retirement after 43 years of distinguished service to Fort Stanwix; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to William Sawyer.

Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.

Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.