Ortt presents Senate Commendation Award and flag to Pettitt family

Submitted by the Office of New York State Sen. Rob Ortt

New York State Sen. Rob Ortt joined the family and friends of long-time Second Amendment and agricultural activist Ed Pettitt Sr. for a tree planting dedication in his honor. Ed passed earlier this year following an accident on his family farm.

Ortt presented the New York State Senate Commendation Award along with a flag that flew over the state capitol building to commemorate Ed’s service to his community. Ed was a fierce advocate for the rights and protections of many Niagara County and surrounding areas for Farmers and Agricultural Businesses. He worked closely with the Niagara County Legislature to form an agricultural rights advisory panel – giving a voice to farmers on a larger scale and advocating for their way of life in Albany.

Ed was also a staunch supporter of hunting, sportsmen and Second Amendment rights. He was president of the Second Amendment For Ever organization – hosting rallies and other events to advocate for New Yorkers’ gun rights. He also helped form a gun owners’ rights advisory panel in Niagara County, working with other concerned citizens and the Niagara County Legislature.

The lilac tree and plaque of Ed Pettitt Jr. in front of the Newfane Town Hall.

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“Ed was a vigorous defender of the Constitution, who encouraged people to be involved in the political and governmental process,” Ortt said. “He was not afraid to speak his mind and advocate for the rights and personal freedoms of all Americans. It is an honor to present Ed’s family with a Senate Commendation Award and flag that flew in Albany. It is the very least we can do to honor all his great work and service throughout his lifetime.”

A magna cum laude graduate of the University at Buffalo, Ed was highly intelligent, a prolific inventor accumulating more than 20 patents, and spent his career working for Mahel (formerly Delphi Harrison Thermal Systems) for 35 years.

Ed’s inventions and dedicated work earned him an induction into the Delphi Automotive Systems Innovation Hall of Fame in 1997. Beyond his professional success, Ed was a passionate outdoorsman, a gentleman farmer, and an outspoken advocate for freedom, liberty and justice.

His commitment was recognized with the 2018 Ken Burner Memorial Award and the 2022 Oliver Jones Memorial Award Sportsperson of the Year from the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs Inc.