LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Chief Dennis Latham upon the occasion of
his retirement from the Stillwater Police Department after 38 years of
distinguished service

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 exem-
plary contributions and service on behalf of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Chief Dennis
Latham upon the occasion of his retirement from the Stillwater Police
Department after 38 years of distinguished service on Monday, June 30,
2014; and
WHEREAS, For nearly four decades, Dennis Latham rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to the Stillwater Police Department,
earning the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and
WHEREAS, A native of Saratoga Springs, Dennis Latham is a graduate of
Saratoga High School and also served his country as a member of the Army
National Guard; and
WHEREAS, In 1972, this esteemed man moved to Stillwater, and within
three years, helped establish its own police force together with several
colleagues; at first, he served under the original title of constable,
before completing his training and eventually becoming a full-fledged
police officer; and
WHEREAS, Rising through the ranks to become Police Chief, Dennis
Latham has overseen a number of innovations over the years, including a
K-9 unit and bike patrol; in addition, his department began a neighbor-
hood watch program to better coordinate services in the community; and
WHEREAS, Under his administration, the Stillwater Police Department
has displayed a high degree of professionalism, facing the many chal-
lenges of modern police work with diligence and care; and
WHEREAS, Chief Dennis Latham was on hand for a number of important
events, including the 1998 hurricane which deeply affected the communi-
ty, several large floods and the 2008 ice storm; he consistently served
with loyalty, honor and distinction, and always showed a unique grasp of
human problems in his official acts; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his professional responsibilities, Dennis
Latham has been called upon to contribute his time and talents to count-
less civic and charitable endeavors and has always given of himself
unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Lynne and their four
children, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those dedicated
public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the preservation
of order and the protection of others are worthy and due full praise for
their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Chief Dennis Latham upon the occasion of his retirement from the
Stillwater Police Department after 38 years of distinguished service;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Chief Dennis Latham.