LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John Harke upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the New York State Senate Liberty Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals, who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own safety in an effort to preserve the life of another; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor
John Harke upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the New
York State Senate Liberty Award; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Award was created in 2000
and is one of the highest civilian honors a New York resident can
receive; it is awarded by the New York State Senate to individuals who
have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanita-
rian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, On the night of March 14, 2013, John Harke was driving down
Verplank Road in Clay, New York, when he noticed a seriously injured
10-year-old girl running along the dark street; and
WHEREAS, John Harke, a resident of the Town of Clay, acted instinc-
tively and pulled his vehicle over to assist in the situation; he led
the child to safety, taking her away from a dangerous situation and
called 9-1-1; and
WHEREAS, John Harke watched over the 10-year-old girl, and tried to
help save the life of another victim who had also been attacked by the
same assailant as the child; sadly, she died as a result of her inju-
ries; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of the great State of New York to recognize
the caring concern and heroic acts of those exemplary citizens who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so,
help others to avert life-threatening danger; and
WHEREAS, Through his heroic actions, John Harke demonstrated his char-
acter and his compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by
virtue of his actions, the collective concern of ordinary citizens
across the State of New York who voluntarily respond when others are in
need of help; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John Harke upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the New York State Senate Liberty Award, in recognition of his consum-
mate courage, bravery, and heroic action in a time of need; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Harke.