Senate Resolution No. 722

BY: Senator KENNEDY

CONGRATULATING Detective Mario T. Pratts upon the
occasion of his retirement after 32 years of
distinguished service to the Buffalo Police
Department

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate
Detective Mario T. Pratts upon the occasion of his retirement after 32
years of distinguished service to the Buffalo Police Department, to be
celebrated with a party held in his honor on Friday, March 3, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Mario T. Pratts proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Marine Corps from 1977-1980; for his meritorious
service, he received a Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, Mario T. Pratts began his esteemed law enforcement career,
spanning over three decades, with the Buffalo Police Department on
September 4, 1984; he was assigned to the 7th Precinct, the 5th
Precinct, and the South District, where he served as a Community Police
Officer; and

WHEREAS, In 1998, Officer Mario T. Pratts was promoted to the
esteemed rank of Detective; in 2008, he began to work in the Homicide
Squad, a position from which he officially retired on December 31, 2016;
and

WHEREAS, Proud of his heritage and profession, Detective Mario T.
Pratts served as the Secretary of the Italian American Police
Association of Western New York; and

WHEREAS, Detective Mario T. Pratts was the recipient of numerous
awards and accolades for his outstanding service including the Buffalo
News Butler Award for Police Service, and two Buffalo Police Department
Commissioner Awards; he was also named a PBA Officer of the Month; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Mario T. Pratts served as
President of both the Kiwanis Club of West Buffalo and the McKinley Park
Homeowners Association; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Rachelle
Levesque-Pratts, and his three children, Mario III, Michael, and
Anthony, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his accomplishments; 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
congratulate Detective Mario T. Pratts upon the occasion of his
retirement after 32 years of distinguished service to the Buffalo Police
Department, and to wish him continued success in all his future
endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Detective Mario T. Pratts.