New York Assembly Bill K00876

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/26

Caption

Congratulating Chief James Stauffiger upon the occasion of his retirement after 31 years of distinguished service to the Town of Tonawanda Police Department

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 876 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Chief James Stauffiger of the Town of Tonawanda Police Department upon his retirement after 31 years of service. The resolution recounts his career path from United States Marine to police officer, his rise to Chief in 2019, and his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and New York State’s police reform efforts. The measure also highlights his role in helping the Town of Tonawanda develop and implement its Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Plan in 2021, emphasizing themes of transparency, accountability, and community partnership. It is a congratulatory and commemorative resolution only; it does not create, amend, or repeal any state law or local statute.

Impact

This resolution has no regulatory or fiscal effect and does not change state law, local ordinances, or police department policy. Its impact is limited to formally recognizing Chief Stauffiger’s retirement and service, and directing that an engrossed copy of the resolution be transmitted to him as an official honor.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill is uniformly positive. The resolution itself is laudatory, and the available context shows no recorded opposition, committee controversy, or negative vote history. It reflects appreciation for long public service, military service, and leadership through a period of police reform and public health disruption.

Contention

There are no notable points of contention in the bill text or available legislative history. Because this is a ceremonial resolution, it does not appear to have generated policy debate. The only substantive references are to police reform and reinvention efforts, but these are presented as accomplishments rather than disputed issues.