LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Saugerties Police Department Detective
Robert J. Haberski, Sergeant Kevin F. Drescher, and Police Officers
Christopher R. Helsmoortel, Jeremy R. Rushkoski, Jorge F. Castagnola and
Kenneth J. Swart upon the occasion of receiving the Police Chief's Asso-
ciation of Ulster County's Meritorious Police Service Award on May 8,
2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those distinguished officers and 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, Within every community of the State of New York, there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their exem-
plary contributions and service on behalf of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Town of
Saugerties Police Department Detective Robert J. Haberski, Sergeant
Kevin F. Drescher, and Police Officers Christopher R. Helsmoortel, Jere-
my R. Rushkoski, Jorge F. Castagnola and Kenneth J. Swart upon the
occasion of receiving the Police Chief's Association of Ulster County's
Meritorious Police Service Award at its Law Enforcement Awards Banquet
to be held at the Hillside Manor in Kingston, New York, on Friday, May
8, 2009; and
WHEREAS, On Wednesday, February 8, 2008, Town of Saugerties Police
Department Detective Robert J. Haberski, Sergeant Kevin F. Drescher, and
Police Officers Christopher R. Helsmoortel, Jeremy R. Rushkoski, Jorge
F. Castagnola and Kenneth J. Swart responded to a serious domestic
incident that escalated into an extremely dangerous hostage situation
involving a criminal suspect seizing his seven week old daughter while
holding a 13 inch kitchen knife and threatening to take her life; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of several hours, Town of Saugerties Police
Department Detective Robert J. Haberski, Sergeant Kevin F. Drescher, and
Police Officers Christopher R. Helsmoortel, Jeremy R. Rushkoski, Jorge
F. Castagnola and Kenneth J. Swart placed themselves in great jeopardy
of physical harm before successfully obtaining the release of the infant
unharmed and subduing the suspect who was taken into custody; 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 Town of Saugerties Police Department Detective Robert J. Haberski,
Sergeant Kevin F. Drescher, and Police Officers Christopher R. Hels-
moortel, Jeremy R. Rushkoski, Jorge F. Castagnola and Kenneth J. Swart
upon the occasion of receiving the Police Chief's Association of Ulster
County's Meritorious Police Service Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Town of Saugerties Police Department Detective Robert J.
Haberski, Sergeant Kevin F. Drescher, and Police Officers Christopher R.
Helsmoortel, Jeremy R. Rushkoski, Jorge F. Castagnola and Kenneth J.
Swart.