Senate Resolution No. 1267

BY: Senator MARTUCCI

COMMENDING Port Jervis Police Officer Ryan Kievit
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 the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of another; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Port Jervis Police Officer Ryan Kievit 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 Friday, June 4, 2021, Port Jervis Officer Ryan Kievit
was headed home from a late-night work shift on State Route 6 in
Greenville, New York, when he observed a pick-up truck stopped
perpendicular in the roadway blocking both lanes of travel near a curve
in the road; and

WHEREAS, Although he was off-duty, Officer Ryan Kievit, without
hesitation or regard for how own safety, exited his vehicle and
approached the truck; during this time, he observed a 25-year-old
unresponsive male with a hypodermic needle in view; and

WHEREAS, Fearing the driver was suffering from an opiate overdose,
Officer Ryan Kievit called 911 and requested emergency services to
respond to the scene before breaking a side window of the locked
vehicle; and

WHEREAS, After assessing the victim, who was not breathing and
appeared to have no pulse, Officer Ryan Kievit administered several
doses of naloxone, placed the man in a recovery position, and continued
to render life-saving measures until he regained consciousness and was
turned over to EMS; and

WHEREAS, As a direct result of Officer Ryan Kievit's astute and
courageous actions, a young man's life was saved that day; his tireless
efforts and bravery are in keeping with the finest traditions of law
enforcement, making him a true asset to the Port Jervis Police
Department and the citizens of Orange County; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ryan Kievit began his illustrious career with the
City of Port Jervis Police Department on March 21, 2016, after
transferring from the New York State Park Police where he served from
October 2014 to March 2016; and


WHEREAS, A certified drug recognition expert, Officer Ryan Kievit is
a highly proactive and community-oriented bicycle patrol officer, as
well as an active member of several local outreach programs; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ryan Kievit, in his spontaneous and heroic act, has
so aptly demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of
others, personifying, by virtue of his action, the collective concern of
ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily
respond without thought of danger or reward when others are in need of
help; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Port Jervis Police Officer Ryan Kievit 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 Port Jervis Police Officer Ryan Kievit.