Senate Resolution No. 3550

BY: Senator HELMING

HONORING Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts upon the
occasion of his selection as President of the New
York State Sheriffs' Association

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts upon the occasion of his selection as
President of the New York State Sheriffs' Association; and

WHEREAS, Each year at its winter training conference session, the
New York State Sheriffs' Association selects a President who shall call
and preside over all meetings of the full membership of the Association;
and

WHEREAS, The President of the Association also presides over the
meetings of the Sheriffs' Executive Committee, in conjunction with the
Executive Committee Chairman; and

WHEREAS, The President of the Association is also asked to represent
all Sheriffs at meetings with state and local officials, present
testimony when requested to the members of the New York State
Legislature on matters impacting public safety, make all appointments to
the various committees established by the Association, and work with the
Treasurer on fiscal matters; and

WHEREAS, Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts has progressed through
each office in the New York State Sheriffs' Association, including
Sergeant at Arms, Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President; he has
demonstrated his great law enforcement experience and knowledge, his
desire to promote the Office of Sheriff, and to assist all Sheriffs in
New York State to perform their critical mission to keep safe and secure
all people in their respective counties; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role as newly selected President of the
New York State Sheriffs' Association, Sheriff Barry Virts has held every
position possible for the Wayne County Office of Sheriff; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Barry Virts began his illustrious career with Wayne
County as a correction officer in 1977; one year later, he was
transferred to road patrol, and in 1985, he was promoted to the title of
Sergeant; in this capacity, he supervised night patrols and investigated

both serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents as a member of the Crash
Reconstruction Team; and

WHEREAS, In 1988, Sheriff Barry Virts was transferred to the
Criminal Investigations Unit where he served as a hostage negotiator and
polygraphist; and

WHEREAS, In 1993, Sheriff Barry Virts was promoted to Lieutenant of
Criminal Investigations in charge of all major felony crimes; his past
coordination, collaboration and assistance to local, state and federal
law enforcement agencies were paramount in his assignment to a
multi-jurisdiction and agency undercover drug and wiretap investigation
with the New York State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigations and
Drug Enforcement Agency; and

WHEREAS, In 1999, Sheriff Barry Virts assumed the position of Chief
Deputy as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Wayne County Jail
Facility; throughout his tenure, he supervised a staff of over 100
correction officers, civilians and volunteers; he also managed the jail
operations, inmate control, personnel supervision, budget
accountability, staff training, union contract negotiations, grievance
proceedings, and coordinated and collaborated with local, state and
federal law enforcement agencies and departments; and

WHEREAS, Ten years later, Barry Virts was elected Sheriff of Wayne
County, and currently, is serving his second term as the Chief Law
Enforcement Officer of Wayne County; in this leadership position, he is
in charge of 192 employees with a budget of over 18 million dollars; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his
profession, Sheriff Barry Virts has been the recipient of numerous
awards and accolades, and has been a vital member of 13 community and
advisory boards including the WC Criminal Justice Council, WC Jail
Advisory, Victim Resource Center, WC Diversity Task Force, WC Pretrial
Youth and Adult Diversion, Council on Alcoholism and Other Addictions,
and WC Fire Chief's Association, as well as WC Housing Consortium; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Barry Virts earned his associate's degree in
criminal justice from Erie Community College in Williamsville, New York;
he furthered his education by obtaining his bachelor degree in liberal
arts from Excelsior College in Albany, New York; 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 Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts upon the occasion of his
selection as President of the New York State Sheriffs' Association; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts.