Senate Resolution No. 1697

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Frank Retrosi Jr. upon the occasion of
his retirement after many years of distinguished
service as Public Safety Commissioner for the City
of Rome, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Frank Retrosi Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement after many years
of distinguished service as Public Safety Commissioner for the City of
Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, For the past 8 years, and in his previous capacity holding
the position of Public Safety Commissioner, Frank Retrosi Jr. rendered
faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the City of Rome, New
York, earning the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues;
and

WHEREAS, Starting in 1965, Frank Retrosi Jr. spent 20 years working
at the Pettibone plant in Rome, New York; he elevated his career working
for the city in 1985 as Director of Emergency Management; and

WHEREAS, Showing a true dedication to the health and safety of his
community, Frank Retrosi Jr. was upgraded to Public Safety Commissioner,
where he served until 1991 for his first term in that role; and

WHEREAS, A man with an expansive background and expertise, Frank
Retrosi Jr. worked as a coordinator and Director of Prevention Services,
Residential Treatment and Drug Counseling at Insight House from 1991 to
1997; he served as a state-credentialed alcohol substance abuse
counselor at Mohawk Correctional Facility until 1999, also serving as a
corrections counselor for the state Department of Correctional Services
from 1999 to 2015; and

WHEREAS, Earning a reputation as a hands-on commissioner who was on
the scene of many fires and police investigations, Frank Retrosi Jr.
resumed his responsibilities to keep the City of Rome safe in 2016 at
the age of 73; he was very passionate about the role, with goals to
upgrade public safety operations in the city, with plans including
upgrading the computer system for the police to something more
user-friendly and compatible for patrol cars' computers and those at the
station; implementing positive change in the Police Department's K-9
unit by involving more dogs on the force, advancing the technology for
the Fire Department by including a new Hazardous Materials team truck to
replace the old one; improving the efficiency of Animal Control; and
lastly, increasing diversity in the Police and Fire Departments; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as Public Safety Commissioner for the City
of Rome, New York, Frank Retrosi Jr. served with loyalty, honor and

distinction, and was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed
a unique grasp of human problems in his official acts; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
Frank Retrosi Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement after many years
of distinguished service as Public Safety Commissioner for the City of
Rome, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Frank Retrosi Jr.