Senate Resolution No. 1804
BY: Senator TEDISCO
RECOGNIZING April 24, 2026, as Blue Friday
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished officers and citizens who would devote
themselves to public service, demonstrating great courage and diligence
in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their
communities and this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contribution and service on behalf of others; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in participating in
significant dates of recognition; and
WHEREAS, Albany radio station WGNA has joined forces with Blue
Friday New York, BJ's Brewhouse, Ninety-Nine Restaurants, Metro Ford,
Saratoga Eagle, and RC Lacy Ford Lincoln Subaru, to sponsor and
recognize April 24, 2026, as the 22nd Annual Blue Friday in honor of all
law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty
as well as all of those who still protect and serve; and
WHEREAS, On August 6, 2004, Albany Police Officer Pat Fox proposed
the creation of a local chapter of the National Concerns of Police
Survivors (COPS), and joining with area law enforcement officers,
chartered the first ever chapter of COPS in the nation; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, the Capital Region COPS Chapter was incorporated
as the Blue Friday New York nonprofit organization; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Blue Friday New York is to help 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;
and
WHEREAS, Each year, approximately 140 to 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, Blue Friday is a reminder to pay tribute to those in the
law enforcement community who have made the ultimate sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, On April 24, 2026, WGNA and Blue Friday New York will be
accepting donations at BJ's Brewhouse on Wolf Road in Colonie, NY, the
Ninety-Nine Restaurant in Wilton, NY, and RC Lacy Ford Lincoln Subaru in
Catskill, NY; and
WHEREAS, Blue Friday New York expresses its gratitude to the
countless individuals and long-time business partners who have supported
this program over the years and furthered its mission; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the annual festivities on Blue Friday, there
will be a procession taking place on the following day from Spitzie's in
the Town of Colonie, to the New York State Police Memorial at the Empire
State Plaza featuring former "CHIPS" television star Erik Estrada; and
WHEREAS, Since 2005, Blue Friday has continued to grow with over 50
different police agencies participating in the Capital District area;
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 Blue Friday New York 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 April 24, 2026, as Blue Friday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Pat Fox, President, Blue Friday New York, and WGNA.
