Senator Farley Honors Fallen Police Officers On "blue Friday"

February 11th, 2005, is Blue Friday in New York State, a day to honor and celebrate the memories of law enforcement officials who have died in the line of duty.

Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C - Schenectady)was honored to be instrumental in creating this day of recognition. WGNA Radio Station and on-air talent Richie Phillips reached out to Senator about this important event. The following is the resolution Senator co-sponsored in the New York State Legislature:

RECOGNIZING February 11, 2005, as "Blue Friday"

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in participating in significant days of recognition; and

WHEREAS, Albany radio station WGNA has teamed up with the Capital District Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (COPS) in recognizing February 11, 2005, as "Blue Friday" in honor of Albany Police Lieutenant John Finn and Schenectady Police Officer Eric Verteramo, both of whom tragically and heroically lost their lives in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, COPS, organized in 1984 with 110 members, is a nationwide nonprofit organization which helps rebuild the lives of survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, as determined by Federal government criteria; and

WHEREAS, COPS also provides training to law enforcement agencies on survivor victimization issues and educates the public of the need to support the law enforcement profession and its survivors; and

WHEREAS, Each year, between 140 and 160 officers are killed in the line of duty and their families and co-workers are left to cope with the tragic loss; and

WHEREAS, Today COPS' membership, including spouses, children, parents, siblings, significant others and co-workers of officers killed in the line of duty, consists of more than 12,000 families; and

WHEREAS, February 11th marks the one-year anniversary of the death of Lieutenant John Finn from the Albany Police Department: this anniversary is a reminder to pay tribute to those in the law enforcement community who have made the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, On February 11, 2005, from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., WGNA and COPS will be taking a Donation for a Carnation, selling blue carnations for $5; tee shirts will also be available for $10; and

WHEREAS, All proceeds will go directly to COPS in memory of Lieutenant Finn and Officer Verteramo; and

WHEREAS, In addition, supporters are asked to wear blue on that day; and

WHEREAS, The State of New York is eternally grateful for the service of its brave men and women in law enforcement, and applauds the efforts of COPS to assist the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice: now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize February 11, 2005, as "Blue Friday".