LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mailman Thomas Matuszek for his quick
and heroic actions while coming to the aid of a woman whose apartment
was on fire

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 honor
Mailman Thomas Matuszek for his quick and heroic actions while coming to
the aid of a woman whose apartment was on fire; and
WHEREAS, On a recent Monday, Thomas Matuszek was working hard deliver-
ing mail to the 518 residents on his route when he suddenly smelled
smoke; he immediately began to run in search of the smoke's source when
he heard the faint sound of a woman yelling for help; and
WHEREAS, He dropped his bulky mail satchel, ran inside the small
apartment building and found a woman trying to dash out the two to three
foot flames herself; Thomas Matuszek also tried, without success, to
quickly halt the fire; and
WHEREAS, Realizing the fire was out of control, Thomas Matuszek imme-
diately called 9-1-1, and then stepped into the hallway of the building
and yelled for all other residents to exit the building; he then
returned to the burning apartment and carried the 84-year-old woman to
safety; and
WHEREAS, As a result of his astute actions, all the residents of the
apartment building were brought to safety and the members of the Tona-
wanda Volunteer Fire Department were able to quickly put out the fire;
and
WHEREAS, A shining example of the best of what humanity has to offer,
Thomas Matuszek through his spontaneous and heroic actions, demonstrated
his character and his compassion for the welfare of others, personify-
ing, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of ordinary citi-
zens across the community of the State of New York who voluntarily
respond when others are in need of help; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mailman Thomas Matuszek for his quick and heroic actions while
coming to the aid of a woman whose apartment was on fire; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Thomas Matuszek.