LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lieutenant John F. Bourges upon the
occasion of receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National
Police Defense Foundation on May 13, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor serve to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Lieutenant John F. Bourges upon the occasion of receiving the Lifetime
Achievement Award from the National Police Defense Foundation at its
Annual Awards Dinner to be held on Thursday, May 13, 2010, at Russo's on
the Bay, Howard Beach, New York; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Lieutenant John F. Bourges has
continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence
and diligent leadership in his unwavering service to his community and
professions and consequently has been designated for this most presti-
gious award; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant John F. Bourges comes from a business family whose
roots in the artist community date back to 1918; he sought a different
pursuit and chose to serve his community by becoming a New York City
Police Officer in July of 1981; he served in several commands where he
distinguished himself through his dedication and professionalism; he was
a street cop, a Narcotics Investigator, a Detective Squad Investigator
and, ultimately, a Homicide Detective; and
WHEREAS, After his long and illustrious career in law enforcement, for
which he was recognized with several medals and commendations, Lieuten-
ant John F. Bourges retired to pursue another service-oriented career;
he became a nurse, having graduated with honors from his nursing
program; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, John F. Bourges decided that he had not given enough
of himself and went on active military duty with the 325th Combat
Support Hospital; he was assigned to Al Asad and Balad in Iraq; he was
detached to the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group, Intensive Care Unit
and applied all his skills to save our Nation's men and women, our brave
soldiers; he also cared for infants, pediatric and civilians with crit-
ical injuries; during his tour, he implemented new and innovative proce-
dures for critical care nursing, saving countless lives; and
WHEREAS, John F. Bourges was released from active duty in June of 2008
after having been awarded multiple medals and commendations for his
service to his country; upon the completion of his military service, he
returned to his nursing career and continues to serve and care for his
patients; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Phyllis, and his
daughter, Samantha, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Lieu-
tenant John F. Bourges over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to
others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lieutenant John F. Bourges upon the occasion of receiving the
Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Police Defense Foundation
on May 13, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lieutenant John F. Bourges.