LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Benjamin Campbell upon the occasion of
receiving the Meritorious Citizenship-Justice Award from the Ulster
County Police Chief's Association on May 9, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, remaining calm
under pressure, in an effort to come to the aid of another; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Benjamin Camp-
bell upon the occasion of receiving the Meritorious Citizenship-Justice
Award from the Ulster County Police Chief's Association, to be cele-
brated at its 2012 Police Chief's Awards Banquet on Wednesday, May 9,
2012, at the Wiltwyck Golf Course in Kingston, New York; and
WHEREAS, On August 28, 2011, as Tropical Storm Irene was winding down,
Benjamin Campbell, who lives on the banks of the Wallkill River,
instantly knew his entire community was in trouble; and
WHEREAS, During and after the storm, local emergency services, includ-
ing the New Paltz Police Department were inundated with calls for help,
particularly in neighborhoods directly affected by the flooding of the
Wallkill River; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin Campbell, who knows the area well, wasted no time
getting to work to help out his friends and neighbors; and
WHEREAS, Using his car, going by foot, and at times using his canoe
and working right alongside of New Paltz Police Officers, Benjamin Camp-
bell took it upon himself to check on his friends and neighbors; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin Campbell came to the aid of residents who were
flooded out and those who were flooded in, bringing much needed supplies
to some, and helping others who were trapped in their homes; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin Campbell worked closely with the New Paltz Police
Department during the recovery efforts of Irene, and then its second
cousin Tropical Storm Lee, all the while knowing he may lose his own
home to the natural disaster; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin Campbell is a man who truly exemplifies a good
neighbor, a good friend, and a person who cares about his community and
asks nothing in return; and
WHEREAS, Through his spontaneous and heroic actions, Benjamin Campbell
demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of ordi-
nary citizens across the community of the State of New York who volun-
tarily respond when others are in need of help; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Benjamin Campbell upon the occasion of receiving the Meritorious
Citizenship-Justice Award from the Ulster County Police Chief's Associ-
ation on May 9, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Benjamin Campbell.