Senate Resolution No. 3026

BY: Senator AVELLA

COMMENDING Walter Mugdan 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Walter
Mugdan 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
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, Walter Mugdan grew up in Douglaston, where he attended New
York City public schools; he went on to earn both his bachelor's degree
and law degree from the University of Michigan; and

WHEREAS, Since 1975, Walter Mugdan has worked in Region 2 of the
United States Environmental Protection Agency, where he is currently
serving as Acting Deputy Regional Administrator; his regular position is
as Director of the region's hazardous waste cleanup and emergency
response programs, where he is responsible for cleaning up some of the
nation's most notorious toxic waste sites; and

WHEREAS, Walter Mugdan previously managed the region's air, water
and environmental assessment programs and served for many years as
Regional Counsel, the region's chief legal officer; and

WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, in 2015,
Walter Mugdan was bestowed the Presidential Rank Distinguished Service
Award, the highest award for a civilian employee of the federal
government; one year later he received the Muskie-Chafee Award from the
Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of
Justice (DOJ), the Division's highest award for a person who is not a
DOJ employee; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the
environment, Walter Mugdan has served as President of the Udalls Cove
Preservation Committee, a local conservation group, since 2002; he has
also managed restoration and improvement projects in Udalls Cove Park
and worked with State and City governments to continue the acquisition

of privately held properties within the designated boundaries of the
park; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Walter Mugdan serves as President of the
Westmoreland Association, a local homeowners civic association
representing residents in the northeast corner of Queens County; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Vivienne and their
daughter, Elana, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life
and rejoice in his achievements; 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; Walter Mugdan
is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Walter Mugdan 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 Walter Mugdan.