LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Paul Richter upon the occasion of his
designation as a recipient of the Burke Award by The Burke Rehabili-
tation Hospital and Medical Research Institute

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Paul Richter
upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient of the Burke Award
by The Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and Medical Research Institute on
Wednesday, June 3, 2009, in White Plains, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Burke Award is presented to an individual or group for
strength in overcoming a disability, for efforts made to ensure inde-
pendence for individuals with disabilities, for the development of
science and research that contributes to the better understanding of
physical disability, and for contributions made to the development of
rehabilitation; and
WHEREAS, Paul Richter retired from the New York State Police as a zone
sergeant in 1973, after he was shot in the neck, arm and leg during a
routine traffic stop; at the time, he and his wife and six children,
ages three to 10, lived in Tupper Lake, New York; he was paralyzed for
six months and permanently disabled; and
WHEREAS, Paul Richter is being honored for his promotion of legis-
lation to assist spinal cord injury research; the Burke Medical Research
Institute is a principal member of the Center of Research Excellence
(CORE), which received a five-year grant focusing on finding a cure for
spinal cord injury paralysis; and
WHEREAS, Instrumental in establishing the New York State Spinal Cord
Injury Research Program that provides funds for CORE, Paul Richter is
the impetus behind the creation of the Spinal Cord Injury Research
Board, which generates a significant amount annually from surcharges
imposed on motorists convicted of moving traffic violations; he is also
a member of the Spinal Cord Society; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife and six children, all
of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Paul Richter's distinguished record merits the recognition
and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; he is a true asset to
society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Paul Richter upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient
of the Burke Award by The Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and Medical
Research Institute; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Paul Richter.