Senate Resolution No. 4388

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Forest Ranger Luke Evans 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 Forest
Ranger Luke Evans of the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation, Division of Forest Protection, 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, On the afternoon of October 16, 2016, Ranger Luke Evans
received a call from Lewis County 911 requesting assistance for a woman
entrapped in her kayak near Knife's Edge on the Moose River in the Town
of Lyonsdale, an area which is characterized by turbulent waters and
rock ledges; and

WHEREAS, The woman and seven friends were participating in Moosefest
2016, when she missed her line and became submerged in her kayak facing
upstream pinned against a large boulder; with her spray skirt caught
between a rock and the kayak, her fellow kayakers fought to keep her
head above water; and

WHEREAS, Ranger Luke Evans immediately responded, carrying his throw
bag and hiking upstream for a quarter mile before arriving on the scene;
upon assessing the situation, he quickly formulated a plan of action;
and

WHEREAS, After his initial attempt to rescue the woman was
unsuccessful, Ranger Luke Evans, an avid kayaker, remained calm and made
the split second decision to throw the bag to a Lewis County Sheriff's
Deputy who was downstream along the riverbank with four other people;
and

WHEREAS, Ranger Luke Evans then coordinated the next attempt, giving
direction to the others involved; the woman was successfully plucked
from her kayak and pulled to shore; and

WHEREAS, Ranger Luke Evans 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, Ranger Luke Evans demonstrated his true character and genuine
compassion for the well-being 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; Ranger Luke
Evans 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 Forest Ranger Luke Evans 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 Forest Ranger Luke Evans.