LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jeffrey Harter upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Smart Telecommunicator Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals in public
service who take prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations,
nobly risking their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of
another; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Jeffrey Harter upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Smart Telecommunicator Award; and
WHEREAS, The Smart Telecommunicator Awards are conducted by Rave
Mobile Safety's Smart911 in partnership with the Industry Council for
Emergency Response Technologies; in addition to the award, Smart911 made
a donation in Jeffrey Harter's name to the American Cancer Society, a
charity chosen by him and his family; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Sherburne, New York, Jeff Harter has been a
dispatcher with the Chenango County Sheriff's Office for about six
years; and
WHEREAS, In June of 2011, Jeffrey Harter received a 911 call from Gwen
Hornbeck, who reported that her 17-year-old disabled daughter, Lauren
LaMariana, who had been choking on a hot dog, was unable to breathe; and
WHEREAS, Jeffrey Harter immediately calmed Gwen Hornbeck down, and
began giving her step by step instructions as he sent out an ambulance;
and
WHEREAS, With clear direction and encouraging words, Jeffrey Harter
was able to help the family clear Lauren's airway which ultimately saved
her life; and
WHEREAS, Choking emergencies such as these require a prompt response
to ensure survival due to the rapid onset of physical damage or death
from lack of oxygen; due to Jeffrey Harter's calm response and first aid
training, he was able to quickly and effectively administer directions
to the family so they could properly administer the life saving aid to
the stricken young woman; and
WHEREAS, Through his heroic actions, Jeffrey Harter demonstrated his
character and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying the
collective concern of public servants and ordinary citizens across the
community of the State of New York who respond when others are in need
of help; 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 Jeffrey Harter upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Smart Telecommunicator Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jeffrey Harter.