Senator Farley Announces March 11th Is Blue Friday in NYS

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C - Schenectady) welcomed law enforcement officials and staff from WGNA radio station to the Senate on March 8th for passage of his annual resolution recognizing "Blue Friday" in New York State.

"The first year we started doing this was in 2005, and I worked with radio station WGNA in creating this official State day to salute fallen law enforcement officers, and to support the families of fallen officers," Senator Farley said.

This year, the annual event will be held on Friday, March 11th. On this date, the State will salute both the officers that make sacrifices every day to keep us safe and those who lost their lives in the line of duty, Senator Farley said. Spearheading the event with WGNA is Blue Friday New York, a nonprofit organization that helps rebuild the lives of survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty by serving as a clearinghouse for federal and state benefits, information, and resources that may be available to surviving families.

"It is so tragic that between 140 and 160 officers are killed nationwide in the line of duty every year," Senator Farley said. "It is not only a loss to their families but to the communities that they served."

On March 11, 2011, from 5:30 am until 10:00 a.m., WGNA, DeNooyer Chevrolet, and Blue Friday New York will be taking a donation for a carnation, selling blue carnations and "Blue Friday" tee shirts at DeNooyer Chevrolet in Colonie and Pizzeria Uno in Wilton; over 25 agencies will be represented at the two locations and all proceeds will go directly to Blue Friday New York.

"I was proud to have Selena Dutcher, Marketing Director for Townsquare Media and representative for WGNA radio station, and Pat Fox from Blue Friday New York on hand as the State resolution was approved in the Senate Session," Senator Farley said. "I encourage everyone to wear the color blue this Friday to show respect for those killed in the line of duty and to show how grateful we are for the service of the brave individuals who are serving in law enforcement."