LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Investigator James J. Durkin upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of the Superintendent's Commen-
dation Award by the New York State Police

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor James J.
Durkin upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Super-
intendent's Commendation Award by the New York State Police to be cele-
brated 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, Investigator James J. Durkin has proudly served as a member
of the New York State Police since April 30, 1997; he is currently
assigned to NYDETF, Troop NYC, and resides in Chester, New York; and
WHEREAS, On May 17, 2015, Investigator James J. Durkin, as a member of
the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force Group T-31, participated in the
seizure of 74 kilograms of heroin, along with approximately two million
dollars in United States currency and a loaded handgun; and
WHEREAS, Investigator James J. Durkin along with Group T-31 had
conducted a month's long investigation utilizing physical and electronic
surveillance to identify members of a Drug Trafficking Organization; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the members of the group were able to determine
the locations of several stash houses and the vehicle used in transport-
ing the narcotics and narcotic proceeds through New York City and the
New Jersey area; and
WHEREAS, After executing search warrants, the heroin, currency and
handgun were secured, and two suspects were arrested; and
WHEREAS, The seizure of 74 kilograms of heroin is the largest seizure
of heroin in the New York area and the fourth largest within the United
States by the DEA or a DEA Task force, with a street value of approxi-
mately 40 million dollars; and
WHEREAS, Through his heroic actions, Investigator James J. Durkin
demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying the collective concern of public servants across the commu-
nity of the State of New York who respond when others are in need of
help; 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 Investigator James J. Durkin upon the occasion of his designation
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 Investigator James J. Durkin.