Senate Resolution No. 2398

BY: Senator YOUNG

COMMENDING Officer James Davey 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
significant contributions to 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, 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Officer
James Davey of the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation's Division of Law Enforcement upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Liberty Medal, the highest honor
bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, At approximately 5:20 p.m., a full 50 minutes after sunset
on November 29, 2016, Environmental Conservation Officers James Davey
and Lt. Liza-J Bobseine were investigating a trespassing complaint and
reports of illegal hunting with shots fired; and

WHEREAS, During the course of their investigation the two officers
came upon fresh tire tracks in a field in the Town of Gallatin in
Columbia County; while walking through the field under heavy fog and
rain, they heard voices and bravely decided to approach them, at which
point, Officer Davey was shot by a bullet from a .30-30 rifle, suffering
significant damage to his pelvis and associated blood vessels; and

WHEREAS, Officer Davey underwent extensive surgery at the Mid-Hudson
Hospital to repair damage from the wound and was then placed in the
Intensive Care Unit in stable condition; and

WHEREAS, A 12-year veteran of the force, ECO Davey graduated from
the DEC Basic Police Academy in 2005; he spent years on the Marine
Enforcement Unit in New York City, where he gained a reputation as an
excellent officer; he then transferred to Westchester and Putnam County
in 2008, where he expanded his role in public outreach and education,
becoming very familiar with local sporting groups and often
participating in their events; and

WHEREAS, After transferring to Columbia County, ECO Davey continued
and expanded his role in public outreach and education, gaining
recognition for his assistance at the annual Columbia County Veterans

Pheasant Hunt, which is affiliated with the Wounded Warrior Project;
currently, he is assigned to patrol Columbia County and is also a
Division of Criminal Justice Services-Certified Police Instructor; ECO
Davey also recently became a Certified Firearms instructor for the DEC;
and

WHEREAS, Officer James Davey should be regarded as a true hero; he
has continually devoted himself to public service, demonstrating great
courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the
citizens of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining his composure and his professional
conduct, Officer James Davey demonstrated his true character and genuine
compassion for the welfare of others; 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
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Officer James
Davey is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 Officer James Davey 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 be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Officer James Davey.