LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and distinguished career of
Judge David W. Harrison, Sr.

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to publicly mourn the death of
those distinguished citizens who would devote themselves to public
service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the
care and welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Judge David W. Harrison, Sr. of Ghent, New York, died on
Saturday, December 20, 2014, at the age of 74; and
WHEREAS, David W. Harrison, Sr., affectionately known as Butch, was
born in Philmont, New York, on July 26, 1940, to the late William J.
Harrison and Jeanette Harrison; he was a lettered athlete and graduated
from Ockawamick High School in 1958; and
WHEREAS, David W. Harrison, Sr. enlisted in the United States Army,
and served his country as a member of the Army Security Agency; and
WHEREAS, In 1965, David W. Harrison, Sr. joined the New York State
Police; for 24 years, he was an Investigator with the State Police
Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Claverack, New York; and
WHEREAS, After his retirement, David W. Harrison, Sr. worked for more
than 10 years as Chief Investigator with the Columbia County District
Attorney Paul Czajka; in 2002, he was elected to his first term as Ghent
Town Judge, a position he still held at the time of his death; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Judge David W. Harrison,
Sr. was involved in several major crime investigations, and received
many commendations; he also completed numerous training courses, includ-
ing certification as a fire investigator and instructor; and
WHEREAS, Judge David W. Harrison, Sr. distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Judge David W. Harrison, Sr.'s commitment to excellence, and
his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Truly involved with his community, Judge David W. Harrison,
Sr. was a 52 year member of the Spencertown Fire Company, and a social
member of the Ghent and Chatham Fire Departments; he was also a member
of the Ghent Reformed Church; and
WHEREAS, Judge David W. Harrison, Sr. was a member and past commander
of American Legion Post No. 42 in Chatham, New York, he was also a
member of the Ghent Veterans of Foreign Wars; the Ghent Rod & Gun Club,
and both the New York State and Columbia County Magistrates Association;
and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by a brother, Rudy Harrison, and a sister, Geri
Clay, Judge David W. Harrison, Sr. is survived by his loving wife of 56
years, June L. (Judy) Harrison; two sons, David (Kelly) Harrison, Jr.,
and Michael Harrison; two daughters, Maria (Larry) Ostrander, and
Suzette (Chris) Booy; nine grandchildren, Daniel, Lee, Adam and Sarah
Harrison, Ashley, Brian, and Colleen Ostrander, and Amanda and Emilee
Booy; one sister, Dianne (David) Cox; and three brothers, Donald (Nancy)
Harrison, William (Janet) Harrison, and Robert Harrison; as well as many
nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Judge David W. Harrison, Sr. leaves behind a legacy which
will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting
memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and distinguished career of Judge David W. Harrison,

Sr., recognizing his loving labors and purposeful life, and conveying
its sincere condolences to his beloved family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Judge David W. Harrison, Sr.