LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Police Officer Juan Guzman upon the
occasion of his designation as the 2015 Cop of the Year by the Port
Authority Police Benevolent Association

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values, worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to
honor those individuals who serve to preserve and protect such values,
lauding particularly their unwavering courage and dedication in the
daily performance of their duties; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished officers and citizens who would devote them-
selves to public service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in
providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their communities
and this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Police Officer Juan Guzman upon the occasion of his designation as the
2015 Cop of the Year by the Port Authority Police Benevolent Associ-
ation; and
WHEREAS, It is appropriate to recognize and commend such outstanding
law enforcement officers as Juan Guzman for their valued contributions
to the community; and
WHEREAS, On Monday, March 23, 2015, Police Officer Juan Guzman
observed an individual, acting in a suspicious manner, attempting to
access the south walkway of the George Washington Bridge; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the individual from a brief encounter he had with
him the day before, Officer Juan Guzman engaged in conversation, asking
simple questions such as his date of birth and current address, neither
of which he could answer; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he avoided eye contact with Officer Juan Guzman,
further raising his suspicions; during this time the individual volun-
tarily agreed to be transported to the George Washington Bridge Police
Command; and
WHEREAS, Subsequently, while being interviewed, the individual's true
identity was revealed and the information was provided to the Central
Police Desk where he was identified as a possible member of a terrorist
organization; the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force now joined the Port
Authority Police Investigation as the individual became a suspect in
possible planned terror activities; and
WHEREAS, Police Officer Juan Guzman's instincts and swift actions lead
to the suspect, and another unnamed individual, being charged by the FBI
with plotting to attack targets in New York City on behalf of the Islam-
ic State terror group; and
WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their exem-
plary contributions and service on behalf of others; Officer Juan Guzman
is such an individual; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those dedi-
cated public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the preser-
vation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due full
praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Police Officer Juan Guzman upon the occasion of his designation as
the 2015 Cop of the Year by the Port Authority Police Benevolent Associ-
ation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Police Officer Juan Guzman.