LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Officer Steve Browning in recognition
of his heroic action on February 20, 2011, in rescuing two West Point
cadets

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals in public
service 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
Officer Steve Browning in recognition of his heroic action on Sunday,
February 20, 2011, in rescuing two West Point cadets; and
WHEREAS, Two West Point cadets had gone rappelling alone on Storm King
Mountain on a training exercise, on the west bank of the Hudson River,
when they became stranded; signals from one of the cadet's cell phones
were used by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to assist in
locating them; and
WHEREAS, On the evening of Saturday, February 19, 2011, West Point
emergency personnel were dispatched to rescue the cadets; a New York
State Police helicopter flew to the site and located the cadets, but was
unable to land safely; fire departments from nearby communities were
also unable to help; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after midnight on the following morning, Officer
Steve Browning and his crew at the NYPD aviation and emergency services
units were dispatched from Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Officer Steve Browning, who was piloting the aircraft, strug-
gled against winds gusting to 32 mph as his helicopter hovered atop
Storm King Mountain; due to his astute and quick actions, Officer Brown-
ing and his team were able to bring the two cadets to safety; and
WHEREAS, Officer Steve Browning has truly distinguished himself as one
of New York's finest; when an act of such magnanimous heroism is brought
to our official attention, the same should be memorialized for the
edification and emulation of all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Officer Steve Browning in recognition of his heroic action on
Sunday, February 20, 2011, in rescuing two West Point cadets; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Officer Steve Browning.