LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Police Officer Michael Lewis Jr. for his
consummate bravery and compassion during a fire in Highland Falls, New
York

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body has the deepest pride and admiration for
the police officers of New York State who take prompt and appropriate
action in emergency situations, nobly risking their 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, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor
Police Officer Michael Lewis Jr. for his consummate bravery and
compassion during a fire in Highland Falls, New York; and
WHEREAS, About 2:30 a.m. on May 19, 2009, Highland Falls Police Offi-
cer Michael Lewis Jr. pulled his patrol car to the side of the road and
radioed Sergeant James Lavelle that he had seen some smoke along Bren-
nans Way in the middle of the village and planned to investigate; and
WHEREAS, Within seconds, Police Officer Michael Lewis Jr. was hammer-
ing on doors of apartments trying to wake the people inside; he was
joined moments later by Sergeant James Lavelle, and the two men pounded
on doors while yelling, "Get out! Get out!"; and
WHEREAS, Two minutes after the last of the residents escaped to a park
across the street, the windows blew out and flames lit up the two-story
building at 6 Brennans Way; the fire raced through the building, pushed
through the roof and lasted for six hours; and
WHEREAS, Through his spontaneous and heroic actions, Police Officer
Michael Lewis Jr. demonstrated his character and compassion for the
welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collec-
tive concern of police officers across the community of the State of New
York who respond when others are in need of help; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude to
those devoted individuals who recognize that the preservation of life
and property is a sacred responsibility and who make that responsibility
their own by serving as police officers; 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
the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Police Officer Michael Lewis Jr. and
to wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Police Officer Michael Lewis Jr. for his consummate bravery and
compassion during a fire in Highland Falls, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Police Officer Michael Lewis Jr.