LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Paul A. Richter upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition as the recipient of the Burke
Award by the Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and Burke Medical Research
Institute

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, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Paul A. Richter upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition as the recipient of the Burke Award by the Burke Rehabili-
tation Hospital and Burke Medical Research Institute; this auspicious
occasion will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 3, 2009, in White Plains,
New York; and
WHEREAS, A 1962 graduate of the New York State Police Basic School,
Paul A. Richter was a Zone Sergeant assigned to Troop B and on patrol
near Saranac Lake when he was the victim of a criminal shooting on
September 30, 1973, that left him paralyzed; and
WHEREAS, After spending a year in intensive and painful rehabilitation
at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Center in Schenectady, New York, Paul A.
Richter courageously persevered and recovered his ability to walk when
aided by a cane; and
WHEREAS, Responding to the enormous support and encouragement that he
and his family received from the New York State Police during his
ordeal, Paul A. Richter headed a successful effort to create the Gray
Rider State Trooper Monument in tribute to all the generations of men
and women of the State Police; the monument was unveiled on September
30, 1993, the 20th anniversary of his injury; and
WHEREAS, An inspiration to all victims, families and advocates who
have been affected by violent crime, Paul A. Richter has lent support
and counseling to hundreds of victims and their families over the years;
he has devoted himself to raising money to support medical research to
find a cure for spinal cord injury (SCI); and
WHEREAS, As Chairman of the Capital District Chapter of the Spinal
Cord Society, Paul A. Richter has organized annual fundraising events;
he was instrumental in the creation of the Spinal Cord Injury Research
Board that has invested millions in neurological research toward a cure
for SCI, and serves on its Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Paul A. Richter has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; rare
indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the bene-
fit of others which he has displayed throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, Supporting Paul A. Richter throughout has been the love,
devotion and courage of his wife, Marie Claire, and his entire family;
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
congratulate Paul A. Richter upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition as the recipient of the Burke Award by the Burke
Rehabilitation Hospital and Burke Medical Research Institute; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Paul A. Richter, 24 Davis Avenue, Albany, New York.