Bill Text: NY J00554 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Honoring Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of a Liberty Medal

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2019-03-05 - ADOPTED [J00554 Detail]

Download: New_York-2019-J00554-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 554

BY: Senator ORTT

        HONORING  Lieutenant  Matthew  Hurtgam and Officer
        Matthew  Vosler   upon   the   occasion   of   their
        designation  as  recipients  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 Lieutenant
Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler upon the  occasion  of  their
designation as recipients 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 July 7, 2018, Lockport Police Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam
and Officer Matthew Vosler responded to a reported house fire on  Church
Street; and

  WHEREAS,  The  first  to  arrive  on  the  scene, Lieutenant Matthew
Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler were  informed  by  a  neighbor  that
although  one  of the home's occupants was able to escape, a 72 year old
woman was trapped in a first floor bedroom which was engulfed in flames;
and

  WHEREAS,  Without  hesitation  or  regard  for  their  own   safety,
Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler ran to the back of
the  home  and  were  able  to  locate  the  woman  after pulling an air
conditioning unit from the window; and

  WHEREAS, Lieutenant  Matthew  Hurtgam  and  Officer  Matthew  Vosler
observed  the  woman  lying in bed, disoriented from the thick smoke and
intense heat; the officers managed to get her attention and  called  her
over to the window, during which time they reached inside and pulled her
to safety; and

  WHEREAS,  Lieutenant  Matthew  Hurtgam  and  Officer  Matthew Vosler
should be  regarded  as  true  heroes;  they  have  continually  devoted
themselves  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 their composure and professional
conduct,  Lieutenant  Matthew  Hurtgam  and   Officer   Matthew   Vosler
demonstrated  their  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;  Lieutenant
Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler are such individuals; 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  Lieutenant  Matthew  Hurtgam  and Officer Matthew Vosler upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients  of  a  Liberty  Medal,  the
highest  honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate;
and be it further

  RESOLVED, That copies of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler.