LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Philip Coombe, Jr. upon the occasion of
receiving the Champions of Hope Award from the Sullivan County Child
Care Council on June 6, 2009

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor
Philip Coombe, Jr. upon the occasion of receiving the Champions of Hope
Award from the Sullivan County Child Care Council on June 6, 2009; and
WHEREAS, In 1959, Philip Coombe, Jr. began his career in the New York
State Department of Corrections as a teacher, and his hard work and
accomplishments were recognized with increasing responsibility; he rose
to Assistant Superintendent, then Superintendent, then First Deputy
Commissioner and finally, Commissioner of Corrections; and
WHEREAS, Under the inspired leadership of Philip Coombe, Jr., New York
State developed one of the finest and most rehabilitative correctional
systems in the nation, the only one in the nation with 100% of its
facilities accredited; the American Correctional Association recognized
this achievement and presented him with the Walter K. Dunbar Award, the
highest honor in the field of corrections and accreditation; and
WHEREAS, While Philip Coombe, Jr. was rising in the ranks of the
correctional system, he and his brother, Richard, and their families
were operating the family farm in Grahamsville, New York, his first
love; and
WHEREAS, When Philip Coombe, Jr. retired from the New York State
Department of Corrections in 1996, he poured his time, talents and ener-
gy into the community, assuming leadership of the Town of Neversink
Renaissance Committee; during his tenure, Neversink won several prizes
and became a model for other towns to emulate and he received the
Renaissance Man of the Year Award from the Beaverkill Foundation; and
WHEREAS, After the Neversink Renaissance Project was launched, Philip
Coombe, Jr. turned his attention to the Daniel Pierce Library, which had
outgrown its small and historic 100-year-old structure, and joined its
Board of Trustees and became the leader of the building project; and
WHEREAS, Realizing that the Daniel Pierce Library would not be able to
raise the money necessary for the contemplated addition, Philip Coombe,
Jr. determined that the only feasible approach would be a modern day
adaptation of the old "barn-raising" technique, using skilled labor
donated on a voluntary or at cost basis and supplies and materials that
were donated or acquired at or below cost; and
WHEREAS, As a result of the tireless efforts of Philip Coombe, Jr.
children and adults in the Town of Neversink will be able to enjoy a new
addition to the Daniel Pierce Library which will include a Children's
Literacy Center, a local history museum and expanded technology facili-
ties and community meeting rooms; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Philip Coombe, Jr. and to wish him
continued success in all of his future endeavors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Philip Coombe, Jr. upon the occasion of receiving the Champions of
Hope Award from the Sullivan County Child Care Council on June 6, 2009;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Philip Coombe, Jr.