1/19/2011: Mourning the death of Chief Arthur B Hill resolution

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Chief Arthur B. Hill, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Chief of the New York Police Department Arthur (Artie) B.Hill of St.Albans,New York, died on Thursday, July 22, 2010, at the age of 88; and

WHEREAS, Arthur B. Hill was born in New York in 1922 and grew up in Harlem; he graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School, the Bronx in 1940 and proudly served in the United States Army during World War II from to 1946; and

WHEREAS, Upon an honorary discharge from military service, Arthur B. Hill took civil service exams and was called to join the New York City Police Department in 1946; he was assigned to the 28th Precinct and rose through the ranks; and

WHEREAS, An exemplary leader, Arthur B. Hill was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1959 while serving in the 42nd and 49th Precincts; he was then advanced to the esteemed position of Lieutenant in 1961 and received a variety of assignments to work in the 20th Precinct, as well as the 5th Division, the 40th Precinct and in the Planning Bureau where he worked as a system analyst; he had the honor of serving as Commanding Officer of the Malcolm X funeral detail in February, 1965; and

WHEREAS, Arthur B. Hill was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1965 and worked in the 5th and 6th Divisions of the NYPD before he was appointed the second African American commanding officer of the 28th Precinct; and

WHEREAS, While studying for promotions, Arthur B. Hill attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Police Science and a Master's degree in Police Administration; and

WHEREAS, His extraordinary trailblazing career continued when Arthur B. Hill was appointed to the rank of Deputy Inspector in 1967 and was assigned to the 6th Division in Harlem; on September 16, 1969, Arthur B. Hill was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief Inspector and transferred to the 13th Division, Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, Chief Hill became the first African American commander of the Support Service Unit, which was formerly known as the Special Operations Division; he oversaw NYPD Tactical Patrol Force, Aviation, Emergency Service and Harbor Patrol Units; and

WHEREAS, Respected by his fellow officers, Arthur B. Hill was promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief in September, 1971 and retired in Janu ary, 1973; during his illustrious career, Chief Hill received two Commendations, three Meritorious and three Excellent Police Duty Awards along with numerous citations for outstanding community service; and

WHEREAS, Arthur B. Hill distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and WHEREAS, Arthur B. Hill's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita ble and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, In retirement,Chief Hill joined several civic organizations;he served on several board of directors for charitable organizations, including the Apollo Theater; he was the long-time Executive Secretary of the Guy R. Brewer Club; Chief Hill also enjoyed a second career as an executive for the United Parcel Service; and

WHEREAS, Arthur B. Hill is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia, and his children, Arthur, Jr., Ernest, Victoria and Joanne; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Arthur B. Hill leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,

therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Chief Arthur B. Hill, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Arthur B. Hill.