LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending New York State Police Troop B Sergeant
Jay D. Cook for his tenacious efforts during the 23-day search following
the escape of two dangerous inmates from the Clinton Correctional Facil-
ity in Dannemora, New York

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 appropriate to recognize and commend such outstanding
law enforcement officers as Sergeant Jay D. Cook for his valued contrib-
utions to his community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
New York State Police Troop B Sergeant Jay D. Cook for his 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, After serving with the Department of Corrections in April of
1994, Jay D. Cook joined the New York State Police, and upon graduating
from the Police Academy, he was assigned to Troop B; and
WHEREAS, As a Trooper, Sergeant Jay D. Cook served as a Senior
Firearms Instructor, and was promoted to the rank of Technical Sergeant
on February 5, 2001, before being assigned to the Combined Ballistics
Identification System (COBIS) in Ray Brook; and
WHEREAS, On August 14, 2001, Sergeant Jay D. Cook attained the perma-
nent rank of Sergeant, and on April 30, 2009, was transferred to super-
vise the Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Team; and
WHEREAS, After the escape of two inmates, Richard Matt and David
Sweat, from Clinton Correctional Facility on June 6, 2015, Sergeant Jay
Cook assumed a lead role as a Patrol Supervisor coordinating the
response of Troopers assigned to his strike team after numerous sight-
ings and reports of suspicious activity were reported; and
WHEREAS, Led by 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 instrumental
during the coordination of search activities as well as communicating
with the local residents; and
WHEREAS, On June 26th, 21 days into this grueling search, in a wooded
area about 40 yards off Route 30 in the Town of Malone, Franklin County,
a U.S. Customs and Border Protection tactical team member fatally shot
Richard Matt; and
WHEREAS, Two days later, on June 28th, the search came to an end when
Sergeant Jay D. Cook was by himself patrolling the area 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 an alfalfa
field and Sergeant Cook pursued him for over 100 yards before discharg-
ing his firearm and subsequently taking him into custody; and
WHEREAS, Had Sergeant Jay D. Cook not located the suspect, he would
have, without a doubt, fled into Canada, greatly complicating the search
effort; and
WHEREAS, Through his unwavering commitment to serve and protect the
communities and citizens of the State of New York, Sergeant Jay D. Cook
responded without hesitation or due concern for his own welfare and
safety; and

WHEREAS, For his astute and perceptive actions during the manhunt,
both prior to the apprehension of the second inmate and his heroism
directly resulting in his capture, Sergeant Jay D. Cook was awarded both
the Troop B Commander's Exceptional Performance Award and the National
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Officer of the Month Award; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Franklin County, Sergeant Jay D. Cook
lives with his wife, Carrie, and their two daughters; hailed as a home-
town hero, he has certainly earned the honor and admiration of the resi-
dents throughout the North Country, in addition to 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
commend New York State Police Troop B Sergeant Jay D. Cook for his tena-
cious efforts during the 23-day search following the escape of two
dangerous inmates from the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora,
New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to New York State Police Troop B Sergeant Jay D. Cook.