Senate Resolution No. 5914

BY: Senator KAMINSKY

COMMENDING Jean D'Haiti 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 Jean D'Haiti
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, Jean D'Haiti, a resident of Valley Stream, has been a New
York State Trooper with the Valley Stream State Police since 2006; prior
to this position, he worked for the New York Police Department; and

WHEREAS, On February 15, 2017, Trooper Jean D'Haiti stopped a
motorist on the Southern State Parkway in the town of Hempstead, Nassau
County, for texting while driving; he determined that the driver's
license and vehicle registration were both suspended and told the driver
that his vehicle would have to be impounded; and

WHEREAS, When Trooper Jean D' Haiti asked for the driver's keys to
the vehicle, the driver became distraught and refused to comply; a
struggle ensued and the driver managed to get the keys back in the
ignition and start the vehicle, which left Trooper D'Haiti hanging
halfway outside the vehicle from the driver's side; and

WHEREAS, The motorist then drove across three lanes of traffic with
Trooper Jean D'Haiti being dragged outside; the vehicle crashed into the
concrete divider on the parkway and Trooper D'Haiti's head hit the door
frame, causing severe lacerations; and

WHEREAS, The driver escaped the vehicle from the passenger side
door, but despite the injuries he sustained, Trooper Jean D'Haiti
followed after him and was able to gain control of the suspect and
detain him until further assistance arrived; and

WHEREAS, For his actions, Trooper Jean D'Haiti has received
recognition on the local, state, and national level; the Elmont American

Legion Post 1033 presented him with its award for outstanding service in
law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, In May of 2018, Trooper Jean D'Haiti was presented with the
State Police Superintendent's Accommodation, the second highest honor a
New York State officer can receive; in addition, he was awarded the
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund's Officer of the Month
in October of 2017 for his bravery; 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; Jean D'Haiti 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 such high standards,
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 Jean D'Haiti 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 Jean D'Haiti.