The Tompkins County Legislature presented a special proclamation March 5 recognizing and thanking former Cornell Police Chief Kathy Zoner for her 27 years of service to the Cornell University community and Tompkins County residents.

Zoner began at Cornell in 1991 as a dispatcher, and steadily rose through the ranks of the department. In 2009 she became the first female chief of Cornell Police.

Zoner has recently taken on a new role as director of organizational assessments at a professional services firm that consults on safety and security needs at educational institutions.

The resolution recognized Zoner’s many contributions to Cornell and Tompkins County, noting that she “has dedicated her career to the safety of the Cornell community and has developed an exceptional police force that is diverse and inclusive,” serving, as Joanne DeStefano, Cornell executive vice president and chief financial officer, had said earlier, as “a steady, clear-sighted leader, serving with compassion and integrity.”

The resolution, signed by Martha Robertson, chair of the Tompkins County Legislature, expressed the Legislature’s deepest appreciation to Zoner for her service to Cornell University and the residents of Tompkins County.

Tompkins County Sheriff Derek Osborne joined in thanking Zoner, presenting her a plaque from the sheriff’s office. “You were truly a partner to the sheriff’s office,” Osborne said.