Honor Walter Mugdan Liberty Medal

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.