Honor Ranger Luke Evans

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.