Ritchie Presents Ned Hackett with Senate Commendation Award

State Senator Patty Ritchie recently recognized St. Lawrence County’s Edward “Ned” Hackett with the New York State Senate’s Commendation Award for stepping up to help frontline workers at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.  

When COVID-19 began to take hold of our region, Hackett—an 89 year-old United States Navy Veteran—taught himself to make masks for frontline workers. In total, he sewed more than 100, including a number for Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, where he formerly served as a board member. 

“Looking back, there are so many inspiring stories of people who did what they could to help out during the pandemic,” said Senator Patty Ritchie.

“In the case of Ned Hackett, he took the time to teach himself to make masks for our frontline workers. His generosity and willingness to step up and help his community during this challenging time is truly admirable and it’s my honor to present him with the Senate’s Commendation Award.”

The New York State Senate Commendation Award recognizes exceptional people who have made a lasting contribution to their community. Award recipients devote their personal time, energy, creativity and expertise to others. They also are leaders in their community who enrich the social, health and educational well-being of their fellow citizens

(Attn. photo editors: Pictured from left to right in the above photo are Helen Hackett, Ned Hackett and Senator Patty Ritchie)