LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Major Charles E. Guess, New York State
Police Troop B Commander, for his outstanding leadership skills and
professionalism during the 23-day search following the escape of two
dangerous inmates from the Clinton Correctional Facility 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 Major Charles E. Guess for his valued
contributions 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
Major Charles E. Guess, New York State Police Troop B Commander, for his
outstanding leadership skills and professionalism during the 23-day
search following the escape of two dangerous inmates from the Clinton
Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York; and
WHEREAS, The competent and expert leadership skills of Major Charles
E. Guess, visible throughout the 23 days of intense investigation and
manhunt for two escaped inmates, Richard Matt and David Sweat, was
exceptional and a true testament to his competence as a State Police
Commander; and
WHEREAS, From June 6-28, 2015, Major Charles E. Guess directed 1,560
law enforcement personnel from 16 agencies across the State of New York
who were involved in the arduous search; and
WHEREAS, As many as 532 State Troopers and 200 State Investigators
from New York deployed with the Department of Corrections and Community
Supervision Corrections Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and Correction
Officers, Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers and
Police, U.S. Border Patrol, FBI, U.S. Marshals, Vermont State Police,
Sheriffs' Offices from Franklin, Clinton, Essex, Washington and Broome
Counties and Police Departments from City of Plattsburgh, Village of
Malone and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe; and
WHEREAS, Under the speculation of the public and media that the two
escaped convicts were someplace far away, morale among the more than
1,000 searchers from these various agencies was being tested; and
WHEREAS, Major Charles E. Guess remained focused in his belief that
without evidence to the contrary, the assumption must remain that the
two escapees were still in the region; and
WHEREAS, During this time, under his stellar leadership, these coura-
geous men and women 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 situ-
ation, therefore the law enforcement agencies were unable to successful-
ly communicate with each other; and
WHEREAS, These Troopers, Investigators, and other law enforcement
personnel returned late at night from their deployments, visibly
exhausted and hungry after being pushed to the limits both physically as
well as mentally; and
WHEREAS, Major Charles E. Guess and each and every law enforcement
personnel 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 neighbor-
ing States and Canada, in danger; 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 28, the search came to an end when
New York State Police Sergeant Jay 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 discharging his firearm and subsequently taking him into
custody; and
WHEREAS, Although many lives were disrupted during this tedious
search, no law enforcement personnel or private citizens were injured or
killed due in large part to the strong leadership skills, training and
experience of Major Charles Guess; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those dedicated
public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the preservation
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
commend Major Charles E. Guess, New York State Police Troop B Commander,
for his outstanding leadership skills and professionalism 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 Major Charles E. Guess, New York State Police Troop B Comman-
der.