LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Ulster County Sheriff's Office Water
Rescue Team upon the occasion of receiving the Meritorious Police
Service-Team Award from the Ulster County Police Chiefs Association on
May 9, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those distinguished officers and citizens who would 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; and
WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York, there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their exem-
plary contributions and service on behalf of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the Ulster
County Sheriff's Office Water Rescue Team upon the occasion of receiving
the Meritorious Police Service-Team Award from the Ulster County Police
Chiefs Association, to be celebrated at its 2012 Police Chief's Awards
Banquet on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at the Wiltwyck Golf Course in King-
ston, New York; and
WHEREAS, During Tropical Storm Irene, members of the Ulster County
Sheriff's Office Water Rescue Team were called to help when three people
became trapped in a house that was beginning to break free from its
foundation on Fox Hollow Road; and
WHEREAS, As the rain continued to fall in record amounts, Team Leader
Deputy Joseph Steyer determined that the team's Zodiac water craft would
be needed; at the time, the water had engulfed the first floor of the
house and was quickly rising; and
WHEREAS, Matching the current of the raging waters, the Water Rescue
Team members arrived at the house; once there, the water levels rose to
the point where the team had to climb up onto the roof of the house to
make initial entry; and
WHEREAS, Securing the boat, and setting up a pulley system, the Water
Rescue Team then began loading each one of the trapped individuals onto
the boat and ferrying them to dry safe land; 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 the Ulster County Sheriff's Office Water Rescue Team upon the
occasion of receiving the Meritorious Police Service-Team Award from the
Ulster County Police Chiefs Association on May 9, 2012; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Ulster County Sheriff's Office Water Rescue Team.