LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Christopher Westbrook upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor
bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions of the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Christopher
Westbrook upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty
Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by a
resolution in 2014 and is awarded to individuals who have merited
special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on
behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Westbrook's name has become synonymous with
growth in the Clifton-Fine Region; and
WHEREAS, A 1973 graduate of the Ranger School, Christopher Westbrook
returned to his alma mater in 1989, to serve as an instructor in its
forest technology program; he became an integral component to the
surveying concentration which lead to a profound increase in enrollment
at the school; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Westbrook was named Director of the Ranger School
in 1995, a position he held until his retirement in June of 2013, making
him the second-longest tenured Director in the school's history; and
WHEREAS, During his 18 years in this esteemed position, Christopher
Westbrook successfully installed two new programs, oversaw a multi-mil-
lion dollar capital project, and generated a boost in endowment; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Westbrook was instrumental in the founding of the
Clifton-Fine Economic Development Corp. in 1998, an organization devel-
oped to help improve the conditions of his struggling community; the
non-profit has been responsible for vast improvements in housing and the
necessary expansion of infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he raised substantial funds to keep Clifton-Fine
Hospital in operation; and
WHEREAS, With his expertise in Adirondack issues, Christopher West-
brook, along with his wife and brother, opened a consulting business,
ADK Compliance; the group helps developers, both public and private,
comply with the myriad requirements within the park including environ-
mental concerns; and
WHEREAS, The proud recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Chris-
topher Westbrook received the 1996 Chancellor Award for Excellence in
Teaching, and the 2004 for Excellence in Faculty Service Award; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Westbrook holds a bachelor's degree from the
University of Montana, as well as a master's degree from West Virginia
University; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Susan, and their two
children, Timothy and Maria, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Westbrook continues to live his life with great
dignity and genuine grace, always demonstrating a deep and continuing
concern for human values and ideals; and

WHEREAS, Individuals such as Christopher Westbrook, devoted to improv-
ing the quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of
dignity and self-worth, are deserving of the highest praise and recogni-
tion; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Christopher Westbrook upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an indi-
vidual by the New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Christopher Westbrook.