LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring New York State Police Officer Richard J.
Butler upon the occasion of receiving the Police Chief's Association of
Ulster County's Meritorious Police Service Award on May 8, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those distinguished officers and citizens who would devote themselves to
public service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing
for the care and welfare of the citizens of their communities and this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York, there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their exem-
plary contributions and service on behalf of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor New York State
Police Officer Richard J. Butler upon the occasion of receiving the
Police Chief's Association of Ulster County's Meritorious Police Service
Award at its Law Enforcement Awards Banquet to be held at the Hillside
Manor in Kingston, New York, on Friday, May 8, 2009; and
WHEREAS, On March 4, 2008, a bank in Pennsylvania had been robbed by a
suspect who was said to be fleeing in an SUV with a New York State
license plate; investigators from the Highland Barracks proceeded to the
Poughkeepsie residence to which the plates were registered and inter-
viewed a person who said a subject borrowed the SUV; and
WHEREAS, While on duty, Trooper Richard J. Butler, stationed in High-
land, New York, observed an SUV that fit the description proceeding
east; he was able to maneuver his patrol car through the rush hour traf-
fic and confirm the registration matched that of the vehicle involved in
the bank robbery; and
WHEREAS, When Trooper Richard J. Butler tried to pull the SUV over,
the driver would not comply; a pursuit was initiated across a bridge and
continued down several side streets; with the help of the City of Pough-
keepsie Police, Trooper Butler was eventually able to box the suspect's
vehicle in and bring the pursuit to a halt; and
WHEREAS, The operator refused to exit the vehicle which had heavy tint
on all the windows; Trooper Richard J. Butler was unable to see what the
suspect was doing so he was forced to use his baton to break the driv-
er's side window; with the assistance of Poughkeepsie Police officers,
the suspect was taken into custody; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Richard J. Butler's quick and astute actions
prevented the subject from forming a plan to flee or attack any of the
pursuing officers; he did not allow him any escape route, ultimately
taking a dangerous criminal out of circulation; 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
honor New York State Police Officer Richard J. Butler upon the occasion
of receiving the Police Chief's Association of Ulster County's Meritori-
ous Police Service Award on May 8, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to New York State Police Officer Richard J. Butler, 74 Malden
Avenue, Palenville, New York 12463.