Albany County Republican & Conservative Conference Agenda 

ALBANY, NY – Albany County Legislators Patty Schwarz Lockart (R-C, Colonie), Chris Smith (C-R, East Berne) and Andrew Joyce (D, Albany) this week introduced a bill to honor fallen military service members, law enforcement officers, firefighters and first responders in the Capital District. The bipartisan resolution (attached) would 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.

 

“The men and women in uniform bravely serving abroad or locally deserve every piece of recognition we can give them. As someone with 34 years of experience at the Colonie Police Department, I can tell you that being a cop is not an easy job nor is it safe. Though I hope we never have to use this measure to fly our flags at half-mast, I urge my colleagues to pass this bipartisan measure as another gesture of goodwill towards our veteran and first responder communities,” said Legislator Lockart.

 

“Being in the Army taught me the meaning of service and sacrifice. It is the men and women who put on a uniform every day to protect our country and our communities. Though we can never truly repay the brave individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, I am hopeful we can take this small step to offer our thanks and recognition for their courage. I strongly urge my colleagues in the County Legislature to quickly adopt this bipartisan resolution, in the sincere hope that we never have to use it,” said Legislator Smith.

 

“I'm proud to lend my support to this effort to honor the heroes in our community. I’ve served my country at home and abroad and understand the great responsibility and sacrifice that comes with being that person that answers the call when our neighbors need our help. My hope is that we can now honor these brave individuals and it provides some comfort to their families when they need it the most,” said Legislator Joyce.

 

Albany County’s previous flag policy, adopted in 2007, only specifically mentions members of the Armed Forces killed in the war on terror rather than all conflicts – and it excludes police officers, firefighters and EMS professionals who put their lives on the line every day to protect local residents. This bill, which amends that policy, would cover all local veterans and first responders who have fallen in the line of duty.