LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Technical Sergeant Jay D. Cook upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of the Superintendent's Commen-
dation Award by the New York State Police on May 26, 2016

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished values
worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to honor
those exemplary public servants who devote their lives to preserving and
protecting such values; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Technical Sergeant Jay D. Cook upon the occasion of his designation as a
recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award by the New York
State Police to be celebrated at the 40th Annual Awards Day Ceremony on
Thursday, May 26, 2016, at the University at Albany Performing Arts
Center, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Technical Sergeant Jay D. Cook has proudly served as a member
of the New York State Police since April 4, 1994; he is currently
assigned to the State Police Traffic Incident Management Team, where he
serves as Supervisor, Troop B, and resides in Burke, New York; and
WHEREAS, After the escape of two inmates, Richard Matt and David
Sweat, from Clinton Correctional Facility on June 6, 2015, Technical
Sergeant Jay Cook assumed a lead role as a Patrol Supervisor coordinat-
ing the response of Troopers assigned to his strike team after numerous
sightings and reports of suspicious activity were reported; and
WHEREAS, Led by Technical Sergeant Jay D. Cook, countless buildings
were searched, and, when the search area expanded to the Chateaugay
area, Sergeant Cook's knowledge of the North Country region was instru-
mental during the coordination of search activities as well as communi-
cating with the local residents; and
WHEREAS, On June 28, 2015, the search came to an end when Technical
Sergeant Jay D. Cook was by himself patrolling on Coveytown Road, in the
Town of Constable, Franklin County, and recognized a man walking on the
road as David Sweat; realizing he was seen, the suspect fled across a
hayfield and Sergeant Cook pursued him for over 100 yards before
discharging his firearm and subsequently taking him into custody, and
shortly thereafter, coordinated his immediate medical care which
undoubtedly contributed to saving his life; and
WHEREAS, Technical Sergeant Jay D. Cook's heroic actions successfully
concluded the 23-day manhunt, and prevented a dangerous escapee from
likely absconding into Canada, greatly complicating the search effort,
and placing numerous innocent lives at risk; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to recognize the caring
concern and heroic acts of those police officers who take prompt and
appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so, help others
to avert life-threatening danger; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those extraor-
dinary individuals who unselfishly devote their lives to the preserva-
tion 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 Technical Sergeant Jay D. Cook upon the occasion of his desig-
nation as recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award by the
New York State Police; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Technical Sergeant Jay D. Cook.