LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Honorable Wesley Edwards upon the
occasion of his retirement after 50 years of distinguished service as
Town Justice of Stephentown, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those singular individuals who devote their purposeful lives
and careers to preserving the rights and protecting the welfare of the
citizens of their community and the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in the Stephentown communi-
ty has been ably served and uniquely enriched through the selfless dedi-
cation and benevolent concern of Judge Wesley Edwards; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Honor-
able Wesley Edwards upon the occasion of his retirement after 50 years
of distinguished service as Town Justice of Stephentown, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Berlin, New York Wesley Edwards graduated
from Berlin High School in 1947; he valiantly served for six years in
the United States Army, half of which time he was stationed in Heidel-
berg, Germany; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Wesley Edwards
was employed with General Electric in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, retir-
ing in 1992; and
WHEREAS, In 1955, Wesley Edwards married Janet McClintock, and togeth-
er they raised three children; and
WHEREAS, Wesley Edwards took office as Justice of the Peace in 1964,
during which time he held court in his home on Route 43 across from the
Stephentown School; it was later moved to Town Hall; and
WHEREAS, Throughout a life and career of purposeful endeavor, Wesley
Edwards has remained true to his commitment, serving family, faith and
community, as well as the law; his contributions and accomplishments
have brought great benefit and positive influence to bear upon the
course of jurisprudence and the quality of life for others; and
WHEREAS, Firm in his commitment for 50 years, Judge Wesley Edwards has
remained dedicated to the betterment and progress of the Stephentown
community; and
WHEREAS, Respected by both attorneys and defendants alike, Judge
Wesley Edwards always conducted an impartial and objective court; he
treated all defendants with compassion and dignity while at the same
time remaining fair in his rulings; and
WHEREAS, In addition to presiding over the Town of Stephentown court-
room, Wesley Edwards serves as Secretary of the Veterans of Stephentown
organization; he is a longtime member of the Empire State Masonic Order
at the Unity Lodge No. 9, and was an active member of the Stephentown
Volunteer Fire Department for more than 40 years; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, he and his wife are both active members of the
Stephentown Federated Church; and
WHEREAS, The longest serving Judge in Rensselaer County, Wesley
Edwards received Special Recognition in 2008, from the New York State
Magistrates Association for his 45 years of continuous service in the
local justice system; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated public servant, Wesley Edwards is also a commit-
ted family man; he is the proud father of three children, Greg (Doreen),
Dwight (Anne) and Carolyn (Patrick), as well as the loving grandfather
of seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Judge Wesley Edwards, in every capacity in which he served,
has left his permanent mark on the criminal justice community and will
forever be remembered as a determined, innovative and genuinely
concerned expert in his field; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Judge Wesley Edwards upon the occasion of his retirement after
50 years of distinguished service as Town Justice of Stephentown, New
York, and to extend its sincere gratitude for his contribution to the
people of New York State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Wesley Edwards.