LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Police Officer Vincent Andre of the
City of Middletown Police Department upon the occasion of his desig-
nation for special recognition for his heroic efforts

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant law enforcement officers who exhibit courage and
bravery every day in the course of their duties; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
Police Officer Vincent Andre of the City of Middletown Police Department
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition for his
heroic efforts; his courageous action will he honored by a ceremony at
the City of Middletown Common Council, to be held on Monday, April 13,
2009; and
WHEREAS, On Wednesday, February 25, 2009, at approximately 9 a.m. a
fire broke out in a three story apartment building at 212 East Main
Street in Middletown, New York; and
WHEREAS, Police Officer Vincent Andre of the City of Middletown Police
Department was on patrol in the area and responded immediately to the
fire scene; seeing a fire raging and smoke billowing out of the side of
the building, and informed that there were people still inside the
structure, he entered the building and raced to the second floor; and
WHEREAS, Failing to get any response from his efforts at the second
floor apartment, Police Officer Vincent Andre exited the building and
ran to the back of the premises, where he observed a young boy standing
at a second floor window; and
WHEREAS, Using a ladder obtained from a neighboring home, Police Offi-
cer Vincent Andre climbed to the second floor, broke the glass window
with his bare hands and removed the screen; he then attempted to reach
inside to grab the boy but was driven back by a large cloud of smoke,
causing him to fall off the ladder; and
WHEREAS, Attempting to climb back up the ladder in another effort to
rescue the boy, Police Officer Vincent Andre was assisted by Fire
Inspector Timothy Welch who went up the ladder, grabbed the unconscious
youngster and handed him off to Officer Andre and other responders for
transportation to the emergency room at Horton Medical Center; and
WHEREAS, The rescued boy, six year old Wilmer Diaz, was then flown to
Westchester Medical Center, where he was listed in critical but stable
condition; he suffered smoke inhalation and second and third degree
burns on 35 percent of his body; and
WHEREAS, As a result of Police Officer Vincent Andre's excellent
skills and training, and his heroic and courageous efforts, the life of
six-year-old Wilmer Diaz was saved; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those individuals within the State of New York who perform
rescue operations with diligence and precision, resulting in heroic
life-saving actions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Police Officer Vincent Andre of the City of Middletown Police
Department for his consummate courage and bravery which serve as an
inspiration to us all; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Police Officer Vincent Andre of the City of Middletown Police
Department.