LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Special Agent John Capano posthumously
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Public Safety
Officer Medal of Valor on February 11, 2015

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant officers who exhibit courage and bravery every
day in the course of their duties; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of another; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Special Agent John Capano posthumously upon the occasion of his desig-
nation as recipient of the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor on
Wednesday, February 11, 2015, in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, The Medal of Valor, the nation's highest honor for public
safety officers, is awarded annually by the President of the United
States to law enforcement officers and firefighters who have exhibited
exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to
save or protect human life; and
WHEREAS, Special Agent John Capano died heroically on December 31,
2011, during an attempted armed robbery at a pharmacy in Seaford, New
York; he is survived by his loving wife, Dorea, and their two children,
John and Natalie; and
WHEREAS, During his 24 years of distinguished served to the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Special Agent John
Capano served as a Certified Explosives Specialist, often sharing his
expertise by training state and local law enforcement officers, as well
as international partners; and
WHEREAS, In 2008 and 2010, Special Agent John Capano honorably served
the United States in the War on Terrorism in both Iraq and Afghanistan;
he earned the ATF Foreign Service Medal for his exceptional work in
these two countries; and
WHEREAS, Throughout an extraordinary career in public safety, Special
Agent John Capano exemplified courage, honor, bravery and selflessness;
he is the first ATF Agent to receive the prestigious Medal of Valor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Special Agent John Capano displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its grate-
ful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
courageous individuals who dedicated their purposeful lives and careers
to serve and protect; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the life of Special Agent John Capano, noting the signif-
icance of his contributions on behalf of the citizens of this noble
Empire State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Special Agent John Capano.