LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Assistant Deputy Superintendent Eileen
Russell upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition for
her heroic action in saving the life of Joseph Savio on May 29, 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 medical situations 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
Assistant Deputy Superintendent Eileen Russell upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition for her heroic action in saving the
life of Joseph Savio on May 29, 2009; this auspicious occasion will be
celebrated on Thursday, June 10, 2010, at a ceremony to take place at
the employee memorial located in the front of the New York State Depart-
ment of Correctional Services Training Academy at 1134 New Scotland Road
in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, On May 29, 2009, Great Meadow Correctional Facility Assistant
Deputy Superintendent Eileen Russell was exiting the Irish Castle
restaurant in the Putnam County Town of Patterson, New York, when she
immediately and instinctively responded to a medical emergency situation
involving restaurant owner Joseph Savio who was not breathing; and
WHEREAS, Assistant Deputy Superintendent Eileen Russell and one of her
friends, Gwen Faust, began to administer cardio pulmonary resuscitation
(CPR), and continued their CPR efforts until paramedics arrived on the
scene to take over the lifesaving procedures; and
WHEREAS, The heroic and skillful emergency actions of Assistant Deputy
Superintendent Eileen Russell maintained the critical blood and oxygen
flow to the brain and other vital organs of Joseph Savio thereby saving
the precious life of Joseph Savio; and
WHEREAS, In addition, these heroic efforts of Assistant Deputy Super-
intendent Eileen Russell allowed Joseph Savio to make a full and
complete recovery and resulted in his joyful homecoming to his wife and
their 12-year-old daughter; 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
emergency medical procedures 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 Assistant Deputy Superintendent Eileen Russell upon the occasion
of her designation for special recognition for her heroic action in
saving the life of Joseph Savio; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Assistant Deputy Superintendent Eileen Russell.