Albany County Republican & Conservative Conference Agenda 

ALBANY, NY – The Albany County Legislature tonight unanimously passed a bill to honor fallen military service members, police officers, firefighters and other first responders in the Capital District. The resolution, introduced by Albany County Legislators Patty Schwarz Lockart (R-C, Colonie), Chris Smith (C-R, East Berne) and Andrew Joyce (D, Albany) in January, will require all Albany County facilities to fly flags at half-mast in recognition of those who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

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“The men and women in uniform bravely serving our country and our communities deserve all our gratitude. In working with the Colonie Police Department for 34 years, I often saw the way these brave first responders would run towards the danger when everyone else was running away. I am thrilled this legislation passed unanimously, and I thank all of my colleagues for their support of our gesture of goodwill towards veteran and first responder communities in Albany County,” said Legislator Lockart.

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“Serving the U.S. Army taught me the meaning of service and sacrifice to one’s country. Those individuals who put on a uniform every day to protect our country and our communities deserve our eternal thanks. Though we can never truly repay the brave individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, I am grateful we were able to take this small step to offer our recognition for their courage. Thank you to every single one of my colleagues who unanimously supported this measure,” said Legislator Smith.

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“I’m proud to support this legislation that will honor Albany County’s first responder heroes and their families. As a Veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices that go along with serving your country and community,” said Legislator Joyce.

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Albany County’s previous flag policy, adopted in 2007, only specifically mentioned members of the Armed Forces killed in the war on terror rather than all conflicts – and it excluded police officers, firefighters and EMS professionals who put their lives on the line every day to protect local residents. This newly adopted policy will cover all local military service members and first responders who have fallen in the line of duty.