Senate Resolution No. 214

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Zone Sergeant Richard J. Misterka upon
the occasion of his retirement after 35 years of
dedicated service to the New York State Police

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished 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, The quality of life in these communities is largely
reflective of the commitment and dedication demonstrated by members of
the agencies which serve to protect, preserve and maintain public order;
and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Zone
Sergeant Richard J. Misterka upon the occasion of his retirement after
35 years of dedicated service to the New York State Police; this
momentous occasion was celebrated on Friday, October 5, 2018, at Hart's
Hill Inn, Whitesboro, New York; 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; Zone Sergeant
Richard J. Misterka is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, Born on June 4, 1960, in Utica, New York, to Joseph and
Agnes Misterka, Richard J. Misterka graduated from New York Mills High
School in 1978; and

WHEREAS, Richard J. Misterka earned an associate's degree in
Criminal Justice from Mohawk Valley Community College in 1980; he went
on to graduate Upper Division from SUNY Tech in 1982, with a bachelor's
degree in Criminal Justice; and

WHEREAS, Richard J. Misterka and the former Sharon Houghtaling were
united in marriage on April 19, 1983, at St. Ann's Church in Whitesboro;
and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man began his illustrious career with
the New York State Police on October 20, 1982; he quickly climbed the
ranks to become Sergeant on March 31, 1988, and Zone Sergeant on July
22, 1999, the esteemed position from which he retired on August 22,
2018; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Sharon, and their
three children, Randi, Catherine and Richard Jr., as well as two
granddaughters, Nellie Grace and Abigail Rose, who have all shown him
love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; 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 Zone Sergeant Richard J. Misterka upon the occasion of his
retirement after 35 years of dedicated service to the New York State
Police, and to wish him well in all his future endeavors; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Zone Sergeant Richard J. Misterka.