LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring New York State Trooper Stephen M. Austin
and the other police officers involved in the apprehension of two
escaped convicted murderers from Arkansas

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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished officers and citizens who would devote them-
selves 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor New
York State Trooper Stephen M. Austin and the other police officers
involved in the apprehension of two escaped convicted murderers from
Arkansas; and
WHEREAS, On June 2, 2009, New York State Trooper Stephen M. Austin was
patrolling Interstate 86 in Allegany County when he observed a vehicle
exit the highway without using a turn signal and the driver appear to be
confused as to which way to turn at the bottom of the ramp; and
WHEREAS, New York State Trooper Stephen M. Austin then proceeded to
the next exit on Interstate 86 to monitor traffic, where he saw the same
vehicle pass by and effected a traffic stop east of exit 31; as he
approached the driver's side of the vehicle, it fled the scene; and
WHEREAS, Acting quickly, New York State Trooper Stephen M. Austin
initiated pursuit of the vehicle and notified the Amity New York State
Police station, who determined that the vehicle was displaying switched
Missouri license plates; and
WHEREAS, During this time, the pursuit was monitored by Sergeant
Gregory Jankowiak, Sergeant S/C Brian Kazmierczak and Lieutenant Wayne
Walker at the New York State Police station at Amity, who were also
coordinating efforts with other New York State Police patrols and the
Hornell Police Department; and
WHEREAS, After New York State Trooper Jeffrey Giardini joined the
chase as the secondary unit, the vehicle got off of Interstate 86 at
Exit 33 and the pursuit continued on County Route 2 to State Route 21;
and
WHEREAS, In the Town of Hornellsville, New York State Trooper David
Bastine was traveling slowly in the opposite direction with his emergen-
cy lights activated when the fleeing vehicle swerved towards him, caus-
ing him to take evasive action to avoid a collision; and
WHEREAS, A short time later, the pursuit was terminated by Lieutenant
Wayne Walker when the vehicles reached the City of Hornell line due to
the speed of the vehicles in a congested area; and
WHEREAS, As New York State Troopers Stephen M. Austin, Jeffrey Giardi-
ni and Darren Fanton, along with Investigator George Grbic and New York
State Troopers Peter Peters and David Bastine from the Bath State Police
station at Bath, patrolled in the direction of the suspect vehicle's
travel, a Hornell Police Department officer observed two subjects flee-
ing from the vehicle on Maple Street and Cameron Street; and
WHEREAS, All of the patrols converged upon the area to search for the
subjects, who were located in a yard on Wesley Avenue by Hornell Police
Officers Gleason and Sergeant Giglio and taken into custody without
incident, with the assistance of New York State Troopers, Darren Fanton,
Peter Peters, David Bastine and Investigator George Grbic; and

WHEREAS, The pursuit and subsequent capture lasted 15 minutes and
covered approximately 18 miles with maximum speeds approaching 90 MPH;
the suspects were later identified as Jeffrey Grinder and Calvin Adams,
escaped convicted murderers from Arkansas; 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 New York State Trooper Stephen M. Austin and the other police
officers involved in the apprehension of two escaped convicted murderers
from Arkansas; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to New York State Trooper Stephen M. Austin, the New York State
Police Amity and Bath stations and the Hornell Police Department.