LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Police Officer Juan Guzman 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 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Police Officer Juan Guzman 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
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution 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, On Monday, March 23, 2015, Police Officer Juan Guzman
observed an individual, acting in a suspicious manner, attempting to
access the south walkway of the George Washington Bridge; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the individual from a brief encounter he had with
him the day before, Officer Juan Guzman engaged in conversation, asking
simple questions such as his date of birth and current address, neither
of which he could answer; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he avoided eye contact with Officer Juan Guzman,
further raising his suspicions; during this time the individual volun-
tarily agreed to be transported to the George Washington Bridge Police
Command; and
WHEREAS, Subsequently, while being interviewed, the individual's true
identity was revealed and the information was provided to the Central
Police Desk where he was identified as a possible member of a terrorist
organization; the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force now joined the Port
Authority Police Investigation as the individual became a suspect in
possible planned terror activities; and
WHEREAS, Police Officer Juan Guzman's instincts and swift actions lead
to the suspect, and another unnamed individual, being charged by the FBI
with plotting to attack targets in New York City on behalf of the Islam-
ic State terror group; 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; Officer Juan Guzman
is such an individual; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those dedi-
cated public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the preser-
vation 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 Police Officer Juan Guzman 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 Police Officer Juan Guzman.