LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring New York State Court Officer Sergeant
Robert Kowal, NYS Court Officer Scott Truex, NYS Court Officer Michael
Mathisen, and NYS Court Officer Michele Lynch for their heroic actions
on February 8, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those distinguished officers who devote themselves to public service,
demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the care and
welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great Empire
State, expressing its highest regard and admiration for the great skill
and courageous dedication exhibited by those who take prompt and heroic
action in an emergency situation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor NYS
Court Officer Sergeant Robert Kowal, NYS Court Officer Scott Truex, NYS
Court Officer Michael Mathisen, and NYS Court Officer Michele Lynch for
their heroic actions on Wednesday, February 8, 2012; and
WHEREAS, At approximately 9 a.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, a
gunman from Middletown, New York, ran up the steps of Middletown City
Hall holding a shotgun and attempted to gain entry into the Middletown
City Court; and
WHEREAS, One of the New York State Court Officers saw the gunman in
the hallway and instantly alerted the others; and
WHEREAS, Working swiftly and calmly, Court Officer Lynch took immedi-
ate action to clear all the individuals from the crowded courtroom in
remarkable time directing the public, court staff and lawyers to get out
through the emergency exit; and
WHEREAS, The gunman then began to fire the shotgun toward three New
York State court officers near the entrance hitting Court Officer Truex
in the arm; and
WHEREAS, Court Officer Kowal and Court Officer Mathisen returned fire
on the gunman and with Court Officer Truex were able to successfully
suppress and disarm the gunman; and
WHEREAS, The quick and astute actions of these officers undoubtedly
saved the lives of countless citizens on the morning of February 8,
2012; and
WHEREAS, Through their heroic actions, Robert Kowal, Scott Truex,
Michael Mathisen, and Michele Lynch have demonstrated their character
and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying the collective
concern of public servants and ordinary citizens across the community of
the State of New York who respond when others are in need of help; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those dedicated
public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the preservation
of order and the protection of others are worthy and due full praise for
their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor New York State Court Officer Sergeant Robert Kowal, NYS Court
Officer Scott Truex, NYS Court Officer Michael Mathisen, and NYS Court
Officer Michele Lynch for their heroic actions on February 8, 2012; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to New York State Court Officer Sergeant Robert Kowal, NYS Court
Officer Scott Truex, NYS Court Officer Michael Mathisen, and NYS Court
Officer Michele Lynch.