LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Peter J. Lewis upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Unit Citation Award by the Biological
Science Casework Unit of the Forensic Investigation Center, Troop H, on
May 26, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the long-
standing efforts of those agencies and individuals in the State of New
York who diligently contribute to the efficient operation of our crimi-
nal justice system; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Peter J. Lewis
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Unit Citation
Award by the Biological Science Casework Unit of the Forensic Investi-
gation Center, Troop H, to be celebrated at the New York State Police
40th Annual Superintendent's Commendation and Awards Day Ceremony on
Thursday, May 26, 2016, at the University at Albany Performing Arts
Center, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Peter J. Lewis was chosen to receive this auspicious award in
recognition of his outstanding service to law enforcement and the people
of New York State; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed man has proudly served as a member of the New
York State Police since July 17, 2000; he is currently assigned to the
Forensic Investigation Center, Troop H, and resides in Schenectady, New
York; and
WHEREAS, During the June 6, 2015, manhunt for two escaped prisoners
from the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York, excep-
tional effort was put forth by the staff, such as Peter J. Lewis, Foren-
sic Scientist 3-DNA, assigned to the Forensic Investigation Center; and
WHEREAS, Of particular note, were the personnel assigned to the
Biological Sciences section and the Forensic Identification section, who
had more than 900 cases pending analysis between them at the time of
this event; and
WHEREAS, These sections were still able to continue to provide a high
level of service to all other law enforcement agencies who had submitted
evidence for various other criminal investigations; the demands of the
manhunt did not deter the efforts of either section from performing and
continuing their respective missions; and
WHEREAS, During the course of this escape investigation, numerous
items were submitted for analysis; Troop B requested latent print analy-
sis and DNA testing to be performed on these items as soon as possible;
during this time, Peter J. Lewis volunteered to work as many hours as
needed to ensure these items were processed appropriately, thoroughly,
and in a timely fashion; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, due to the sheer volume of the evidence, these
items were evaluated and analyzed based on their significance to the
investigation and processed in stages; the processing of these items
took several days, with Peter J. Lewis and other members working well
into several evenings; and
WHEREAS, The tradition of noble public service, heroism and leadership
embodied by Peter J. Lewis is of such magnitude as to be worthy of
special, statewide recognition; this meritorious scientist stands as an
integral part of the criminal justice system, and will continue to
provide critical and vital service to the residents of our communities;
and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their

profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Peter J. Lewis upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Unit Citation Award by the Biological Science Casework Unit of the
Forensic Investigation Center, Troop H, on May 26, 2016; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Peter J. Lewis.