Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) along with Assemblywoman Janet Duprey (R,I—Peru) recently honored two New York State Troopers, Sgt. Jay D. Cook and Maj. Charles E. Guess, with two Assembly Resolutions (K1092 and K1093) commending their courage, leadership, and professionalism displayed during the 23-day search for two escaped murderers from Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora.

“Sgt. Cook and Maj. Guess are outstanding examples of what it means to be a law enforcement officer serving and protecting our families and communities,” said Barclay. “A serious situation like this is never easy and can be unnerving for the families of the officers and especially for the officers themselves. To that end, their courage, leadership, and professionalism should be commended, and I am honored to sponsor these measures highlighting their outstanding attributes and fine police work. I have no doubt that without the efforts by these two, and all the officers involved, the two inmates would have escaped to Canada.”

Maj. Guess, the New York State Police Troop B Commander, directed over 1,500 federal, state and local law enforcement personnel from 16 agencies who were involved in the arduous search for two escaped inmates. Sgt. Cook led a Mobile Response Team of Troopers who went door-to-door searching houses, barns, hunting camps, structures, and open fields, eventually leading to his capture of David Sweat in the Town of Constable.