LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Peter F. Whalen upon the occasion of his
selection as Deputy Marshal of the Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day
Parade on March 20, 2016

WHEREAS, St. Patrick's Day is a time for people of all nationalities and
generations to assemble and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of
the Irish people throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and provides opportunity for
people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Peter F. Whalen upon the occasion of his selection as Deputy Marshal of
the Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 20, 2016;
and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Peter F. Whalen is
the youngest son of Patrick and the late Anna Whalen; proud of his Irish
lineage, Peter traces his roots to his father's parents, the late Micha-
el and Catherine Whalen; and
WHEREAS, His grandfather, Michael Whalen was born and raised in
Renvyle, County Galway; he emigrated to the United States in 1910, and
proudly served as a member of the United States Army in WW I; and
WHEREAS, Peter F. Whalen's grandmother, Catherine Whalen, was born and
raised in Ballinrobe, County Mayo; in 1915, she emigrated to the United
States aboard the freightliner which rescued survivors of the Lusitania
tragedy; and
WHEREAS, After his grandparents were married, they happily raised
their children in the Bronx, and then in Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Peter F. Whalen's mother, Anna Pauline Lane, was the youngest
of seven children born to Patrick and Abby Lane; raised in Atleague,
County Roscommon, she immigrated to England in 1943, where she endured
the final two years of WW II, spending many nights in bomb shelters; and
WHEREAS, In 1947, Anna Pauline Lane returned to Ireland for a short
time before emigrating to the United States, where she was soon joined
by her brother, Andrew; they settled in Sunnyside, Queens with their
Aunt, Marie (Finneran) Opault; and
WHEREAS, Peter F. Whalen's parents married in 1953, and settled in
Sunset Park, where they raised five children, Thomas, Patrick, Jr.,
Maureen, Joseph and the late Kevin; seven years later, they fulfilled
the American dream and purchased a home in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, where
Peter was born; and
WHEREAS, Peter F. Whalen attended Our Lady of Angels grammar school
and Fort Hamilton High School; in 1986, he began his Law Enforcement
career with the New York City Transit Police; and
WHEREAS, Nine years later, Peter F. Whalen joined the NYPD with the
merger of the two departments; today, he serves as Detective to the NYPD
Emergency Services Unit in Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, A noble Irishman, Peter F. Whalen holds the position of Pres-
ident of the NYPD Emerald Society; in addition, he is a member of the
NYPD Holy Name Society, NYPD Honor Legion and AOH Division No. 22; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his loving wife, the former
Madeline Smith, and his two treasured children, Peter, Jr. and Victoria
Patricia, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated over a
lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and

WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Deputy Marshal of the Annual Bay Ridge
St. Patrick's Day Parade, Peter F. Whalen embodies the spirit and the
cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great State and
Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Peter F. Whalen upon the occasion of his selection as Deputy
Marshal of the Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 20,
2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Deputy Marshal Peter F. Whalen.