LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Chief Kevin Ward upon the occasion of
his selection as 2015 Irishman of the Year by the NYPD Emerald Society
on February 27, 2015

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 commend Chief Kevin
Ward upon the occasion of his selection as 2015 Irishman of the Year by
the New York City Police Department's Emerald Society at its 62nd Annual
Dinner Dance to be held on Friday, February 27, 2015, at Leonard's of
Great Neck, Long Island, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born of proud Irish heritage, Kevin Ward is the Chief of
Staff under NYPD Police Commissioner William Bratton; he is a 31 year
veteran of the New York City Police with a distinguished record of
service in the Patrol, Detective, Internal Affairs, and the Organized
Crime Control Bureaus; and
WHEREAS, Kevin Ward earned his Juris Doctor from New York Law School,
and holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard Univer-
sity, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from John
Jay College; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed man was first appointed to the New York City
Police Department in 1984, and began his career as an officer in the
Midtown North Precinct performing patrol and anti-crime duties; and
WHEREAS, Four years later, Officer Kevin Ward was promoted to Sergeant
and assigned to the 84th Precinct, where he was soon made part of the
Detective Squad; and
WHEREAS, In 1996, Sergeant Kevin Ward was promoted to Lieutenant and
subsequently assigned to the Internal Affairs Bureau as Commanding Offi-
cer of the Police Impersonation Squad; he was next promoted to Captain
and assigned to the Midtown South Precinct as the Executive Officer; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure commanding Manhattan's 17th and 9th
Precincts, Captain Kevin Ward displayed an outstanding record of leader-
ship in fighting crime; during his tenure, the 17th Precinct had a 13
percent reduction in crime and received a Unit Citation; and
WHEREAS, As an Inspector, Kevin Ward oversaw the Organized Crime
Control Bureau's Investigations Unit with a continued sense of profes-
sionalism and duty; he was promoted to Deputy Chief and assigned as the
Executive Officer of the Organized Crime Control Bureau in 2009; and
WHEREAS, In January of 2012, Deputy Chief Kevin Ward was promoted to
Assistant Chief and designated Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough
Staten Island; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure, Chief Kevin Ward expertly managed and
coordinated the NYPD response to Hurricane Sandy on Staten Island; his
leadership was vital in the intense collaborations with federal, state,
and city agencies in carrying out rescue operations and relief efforts;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Chief Kevin Ward was the Commanding Officer of
Patrol Borough Queens South from August 2013 through December of that
year; and

WHEREAS, A member of a family with a long history of public service,
Chief Kevin Ward's father, Captain Frank Ward, was a 30-year member of
the Department, and his brother, Captain Walter Ward, served the Depart-
ment for 31 years; in addition, two of his nephews, Seamus Ward and
Michael Brennan, are Police Officers; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 19 years, Kerri,
and their five children, Conor, Ryan Elizabeth, Kelly, Devin, and Keira,
all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Chief Kevin Ward has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of his community which Chief Kevin Ward has
displayed throughout his life; 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
commend Chief Kevin Ward upon the occasion of his selection as 2015
Irishman of the Year by the New York City Police Department's Emerald
Society; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Chief Kevin Ward.