LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the memory of Sammy Cohen Eckstein, and
commending his parents, Amy Cohen and Gary Eckstein for their tireless
advocacy efforts

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those dedi-
cated individuals who work diligently to ensure the safety and security
of all New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to recognize the
tireless determination of Amy Cohen and Gary Eckstein to reduce acci-
dental traffic deaths in the State of New York, in memory of their son,
Sammy Cohen Eckstein; and
WHEREAS, On October 8, 2013, 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein was
tragically struck by a van and killed in Park Slope, Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, The immense sense of grief and loss caused by the death of
their son solidified Amy and Gary's desire to ensure that no parent
would have to endure the kind of all-encompassing anguish which follows
the loss of a child to a preventable accident such as Sammy's; and
WHEREAS, Amy Cohen and Gary Eckstein have channeled their grief into a
remarkable movement designed to reduce traffic-related fatalities to
zero in the City of New York, pouring a massive amount of time and ener-
gy into advocacy and into outreach to families who have suffered similar
losses; and
WHEREAS, Amy Cohen and Gary Eckstein's willingness to serve as public
faces for this movement, despite the tragic loss of their son, is
inspiring and commendable, and serves as a reminder of the potential of
any dedicated person to effect change in the lives of millions and
provide hope and comfort to those in need; and
WHEREAS, Through their advocacy work, Sammy's legacy will live on,
touching the lives of many New Yorkers and making the streets of the
Empire State safer for children and adults alike; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Amy Cohen and Gary Eckstein have
displayed throughout their lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the memory of Sammy Cohen Eckstein, and to commend his parents,
Amy Cohen and Gary Eckstein for their tireless advocacy efforts; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Amy Cohen, Gary Eckstein, Sammy's loving grandmother Joan
Dean, and the rest of his family.