Senate Resolution No. 2469

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Jose Colon, beloved family
man, devoted law enforcement officer, and active
member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly moved to mourn
the death of Officer Jose Colon; and

WHEREAS, Jose Colon died on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the age of 55;
and

WHEREAS, Jose Colon began a life of service with the U.S. Army,
showing a deep commitment to upholding American values and ideals while
valiantly protecting our cherished freedoms; and

WHEREAS, Upon returning to civilian life, his desire to protect and
serve found a new home as he joined the New York City Police Department
(NYPD) on March 15, 2000; Officer Jose Colon became a steadfast presence
in the 40th Precinct, his badge a symbol of safety and his actions a
source of hope for the Bronx community he so dearly protected; and

WHEREAS, On the day of the attacks of September 11, 2001, one of the
most profound tragedies in our State and Nation's shared history,
Officer Jose Colon of the NYPD selflessly responded to the scene,
standing shoulder to shoulder among countless first responders, working
tirelessly to aid his city when it needed his support most; and

WHEREAS, Retiring in 2020 after a twenty-year career with the New
York Police Department, Officer Jose Colon later joined the Brewster
Police Department in 2024, where he made a name for himself as a
professional and devoted asset to the department; and

WHEREAS, The legacy which Officer Jose Colon created throughout his
lifetime lives on in all those who had the pleasure of working with,
knowing, and befriending him, with members of his large family
continuing in his path by becoming NYPD officers themselves; and

WHEREAS, He is survived by his wife, Lilian Colon; sons, Joshua,
Dean and Aaron; daughters, Amanda, Destiny, Larisa, and Elisa;
grandchildren, Isaiah, Lilyana, Juliana, Sebastian, Elijah, Zachary, and
Gabriel; and

WHEREAS, Officer Jose Colon's actions always demonstrated the very
essence of heroism; he served his community and those laying beyond,
with pride, an unending commitment to service, integrity, and passion,
and justly merits the commendation of all citizens of this great State
and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Officer Jose Colon leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Jose Colon, beloved family man, devoted law
enforcement officer, and active member of his community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Officer Jose Colon.