J 541: Recognizing April 25, 2025, as Blue Friday

 Senate Resolution No. 541 BY: Senator TEDISCO RECOGNIZING April 25, 2025, as Blue Friday 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 contribution and service on behalf of others; and WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in participating in significant dates of recognition; and WHEREAS, Albany radio station WGNA has joined forces with Blue Friday New York, BJ's Brewhouse, Ninety-Nine Restaurants, Metro Ford, Saratoga Eagle and RC Lacy Ford Lincoln Subaru to sponsor and recognize April 25, 2025, as the 21st Annual Blue Friday in honor of all law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty as well as all of those who still protect and serve; and WHEREAS, On August 6, 2004, Albany Police Officer Pat Fox proposed the creation of a local chapter of the National Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), and joining with area law enforcement officers, chartered the first ever chapter of COPS in the nation; and WHEREAS, In 2010, the Capital Region COPS Chapter was incorporated as the Blue Friday New York nonprofit organization; and WHEREAS, The mission of Blue Friday New York is to help rebuild the lives of survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty by serving as a clearinghouse for federal and state benefits, information, and resources that may be available to surviving families; and WHEREAS, Each year, approximately 140 to 160 officers are killed in the line of duty and their families and co-workers are left to cope with the tragic loss; and WHEREAS, Blue Friday is a reminder to pay tribute to those in the law enforcement community who have made the ultimate sacrifice; and WHEREAS, On April 25, 2025, WGNA and Blue Friday New York will be accepting donations at BJ's Brewhouse on Wolf Road in Colonie, NY, the Ninety-Nine Restaurant in Wilton, NY, and RC Lacy Ford Lincoln Subaru in Catskill, NY; and WHEREAS, Blue Friday New York expresses its gratitude to the countless individuals and long-time business partners who have supported this program over the years and furthered its mission; and WHEREAS, In addition to the annual festivities on Blue Friday, this year there will be a kick-off event taking place at The Mill in the Town of Malta, NY on Monday, April 7, 2025; and WHEREAS, Since 2005, Blue Friday has continued to grow with over 50 different police agencies participating in the Capital District area; and WHEREAS, The State of New York is eternally grateful for the service of its brave men and women in law enforcement, and applauds the efforts of Blue Friday New York to assist the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize April 25, 2025, as Blue Friday; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Pat Fox, President, Blue Friday New York, and WGNA.