LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the members of the Corrections Emer-
gency Response Teams (CERT) of the Department of Corrections and Commu-
nity Supervision for their tenacious efforts during the 23-day search
following the escape of two dangerous inmates from the Clinton Correc-
tional Facility in Dannemora, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the long-
standing efforts of those agencies in the State of New York which dili-
gently contribute to the efficient operation of our criminal justice
system; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the members of the Corrections Emergency Response Teams (CERT) of the
Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for their tenacious
efforts during the 23-day search following the escape of two dangerous
inmates from the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Twenty CERT from across the State of New York undertook the
exhausting and difficult task of tracking down two prisoners, Richard
Matt and David Sweat, who escaped on June 6, 2015; and
WHEREAS, During this time, CERT worked 16-24 hour shifts under hot,
humid, often rainy conditions searching the woods, swamps and fields of
some of the North Country's most difficult terrain; a majority of the
time, they traversed dense forests where visibility was compromised; in
addition, the lack of radio communications further hindered the perilous
situation, therefore CERT and other law enforcement agencies were unable
to successfully communicate; and
WHEREAS, CERT were seen returning late at night from their deployments
with duct tape on their boots, suffering from dry rot on their feet,
victims of various sprains and muscle injuries to sleep on cots in a
closed prison or gymnasium; and
WHEREAS, These courageous CERT forsook precious time with family and
friends to respond to this life-threatening situation which put the
lives of all the residents of, not only the North Country and the State
of New York, but neighboring States and Canada; and
WHEREAS, During this three-week long tedious search, loyal residents
throughout the North Country communities donated home-cooked meals, boot
dryers and warmers, socks, toiletry supplies, whatever needed and
remained steadfast in their solidarity to assist these courageous CERT
until their job was successfully completed and the North Country was
safe; and
WHEREAS, The quality of life in New York State is largely reflective
of the commitment and dedication demonstrated by members of the agencies
which serve to protect, preserve and maintain public order; and
WHEREAS, The tradition of noble public service, heroism and leadership
embodied by CERT is of such magnitude as to be worthy of special, state-
wide recognition; these meritorious officers stand as an integral part
of the criminal justice system; its dedicated staff will continue to
provide critical and vital service to the residents of our communities;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the members of CERT of the Department of Corrections and Commu-
nity Supervision for their tenacious efforts following the escape of two
dangerous inmates from the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora,
New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Colonel Dennis W. Bradford, Director of CERT Operations, NYS

DOCCS and all the members of CERT and their Team Leaders at Clinton
Correctional Facility CERT Lieutenant Darryl Menard, Upstate Correction-
al Facility CERT Lieutenant Steven Salls, Albany CERT (NYS DOCCS Albany
Training Academy) Captain James Noeth, Field Commander, Lieutenant Carl
Pierce, Team Leader, Attica Correctional Facility CERT Lieutenant Thomas
Monin, Auburn Correctional Facility CERT Lieutenant Mark Valentino,
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility CERT Sergeant Dean Rabideau,
Coxsackie Correctional Facility CERT Lieutenant Jerald Meigs, Collins
Correctional Facility CERT Lieutenant Gary Schoenthaler, Eastern NY
Correctional Facility CERT Lieutenant Michael Harms, Elmira Correctional
Facility CERT Lieutenant John Randall, Fishkill Correctional Facility
CERT Lieutenant Jamie Glasspoole and CERT Lieutenant Joseph Wassweiler,
Gouverneur Correctional Facility CERT Lieutenant Robert Theriault, Great
Meadow Correctional Facility CERT Sergeant Michael Hoy, Green Haven
Correctional Facility CERT Lieutenant Orazio Bucolo, Mid-State Correc-
tional Facility CERT Lieutenant David Strzepek, Mohawk Correctional
Facility CERT Lieutenant Stephen Otto, Ogdensburg Correctional Facility
CERT Lieutenant Kenneth Buckley, Sing Sing Correctional Facility CERT
Lieutenant Anthony Pontante, Wallkill Correctional Facility CERT Lieu-
tenant Gerald Gardner, and Woodbourne Correctional Facility CERT Lieu-
tenant William Mead.