LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Superintendent Kenneth Mitchell in
recognition of his heroic actions in wrestling a gunman to the floor who
stormed the doors of the South Orangetown Middle School on June 9, 2009

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 lives of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Superintendent Kenneth Mitchell in recognition of his heroic actions in
wrestling a gunman to the floor who stormed the doors of the South
Orangetown Middle School, Blauvelt, New York; and
WHEREAS, On Tuesday, June 9, 2009, an armed man burst into South
Orangetown Middle School, rushed past a security guard and forced his
way into Superintendent Kenneth Mitchell's office, where he threatened
to shoot him if he didn't rewrite a letter he had sent parents the day
before regarding the H1N1 virus; and
WHEREAS, The incident ended when Superintendent Kenneth Mitchell, a
former Nyack hockey coach, wrestled the weapon away from the gunman and
pinned him to the floor as police SWAT teams were breaking down the
office door; during the entire confrontation, all students remained safe
in their classrooms; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Mitchell, a 55-year-old resident of Chester, New
York, displayed strong leadership skills as well as fierce dedication to
his students, the faculty members, and the staff of the South Orangetown
Middle School when he took astute action to protect and safeguard them
without hesitation or regard for his own well-being; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Superintendent Kenneth Mitchell in recognition of his heroic
actions in wrestling a gunman to the floor, noting the significance of
his caring concern which personifies the highest ideals of his profes-
sion; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Superintendent Kenneth Mitchell, Chester, New York.