LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Judge Jeffrey R. Merrill upon the
occasion of his retirement after 30 years of distinguished service to
the City of Syracuse

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
individuals whose lives have been committed to the pursuit of excellence
and who bring great pride to the citizens of our great State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Judge Jeffrey R. Merrill upon the occasion of his retirement after 30
years of distinguished service to the City of Syracuse; his family
members and friends celebrated his distinguished career at a gathering
on September 20, 2013, at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo; and
WHEREAS, Judge Jeffrey Merrill's career in law has spanned more than
four decades, three of which having been spent as a City Court Judge;
and
WHEREAS, During that time, Judge Merrill developed a reputation for
maintaining his compassion for those who appeared before him, especially
those trying to better themselves; and
WHEREAS, Following his graduation from Suffield Academy in Suffield,
Connecticut, in 1963, Judge Jeffrey Merrill earned his Bachelor's degree
in Art History from Colgate University; and
WHEREAS, He began his illustrious career in law as a Deputy Sheriff in
Ontario, Seneca, and Onondaga Counties; and
WHEREAS, Judge Jeffrey Merrill earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse
University College of Law in 1971, and subsequently, was admitted to
practice law in New York State; and
WHEREAS, Prior to being elected to the Syracuse City Court, Judge
Jeffrey Merrill served as a District Attorney in the Onondaga County
District Attorney's Office for over 10 years and then as a STOP-DWI
Coordinator in Onondaga County; and
WHEREAS, Judge Jeffrey Merrill was elected to the Syracuse City Court
in 1984, and has served as Supervising Judge since 2001, as well as an
Acting County Court Judge and Supervising Judge of the Syracuse Drug
Treatment Court; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his judicial post, Judge Jeffrey Merrill has
devoted countless hours to civic and community activities, including the
New York State City Court Judge's Association Legislative Committee, New
York State District Attorney's Association, New York State STOP-DWI
Coordinator's Association, Deputy Sheriff's Benevolent Association,
Criminal Justice Advisory Board, and has served as the Office of Court
Administration's Instructor on Local Criminal Courts; and
WHEREAS, Upon his retirement, Judge Jeffrey Merrill will have more
time to spend with his loving wife, Jeannie Merrill, his sons, Malcolm
and Travis Merrill, his daughter and son-in-law, Samantha and Jeremy
Skule, his grandchildren, Hadley and Grant, and his beloved dog, Gunnar;
and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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
recognize and honor Judge Jeffrey R. Merrill upon the occasion of his
retirement, and to wish him continued success in all his future endeav-
ors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Judge Jeffrey R. Merrill.