LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Josh Rhow in recognition of his heroic
actions at the scene of a motor vehicle accident near Allegany State
Park

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of those citizens who take prompt action
in emergency situations, and in doing so, help others to avert life-
threatening danger; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Josh
Rhow in recognition of his heroic acts in saving the lives of two citi-
zens of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, On the morning of October 11, 2011, emergency dispatchers
reported a motor vehicle accident with entrapment on Interstate 86 near
the Red House exit and Allegany State Park; and
WHEREAS, Upon arrival at the scene, Limestone Volunteer Fire Depart-
ment Chief Michael R. Soper observed a ball of fire approximately 30
feet tall; apparently, there had been a head-on collision, and both
vehicles involved were heavily damaged; one vehicle was engulfed in
flames; and
WHEREAS, Civilians Josh Rhow of Olean, New York, and Jeremy Ellis of
Ceres, New York, arrived at the accident before emergency responders;
and
WHEREAS, Without regard for their personal safety, together, these
courageous individuals worked to remove victims from both vehicles
involved in the accident, fighting through flames to safely extricate
the drivers, one at a time, from their burning vehicles; and
WHEREAS, Working in collaboration with other bystanders, Josh Rhow and
Jeremy Ellis assisted emergency medical providers in covering the acci-
dent victims with tarps and coats to keep them warm and stabilized; and
WHEREAS, Josh Rhow, through his heroic actions, demonstrated his char-
acter and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue
of his actions, the collective concern of ordinary citizens across the
communities of the State of New York who voluntarily respond when others
are in need of help; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize and honor citizens who take extraordinary action to protect the
lives of their neighbors in this great Empire State; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Josh Rhow in recognition of his heroic actions in saving the lives
of two accident victims on October 11, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be trans-
mitted to Josh Rhow.