LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael R. Soper 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
Michael R. Soper in recognition of his heroic acts in saving the lives
of two citizens 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, Limestone Volunteer Fire Department Chief and Emergency
Medical Technician Michael R. Soper, on his commute to work, responded
to the emergency tones in an effort to provide additional assistance;
and
WHEREAS, Upon arrival at the scene, 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
together 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 quickly to provide triage and preliminary medical
care to the accident victims, Michael R. Soper secured basic supplies
from Sheriff's Deputies and sought assistance from others at the scene
to stabilize the patients until he could transfer care to ambulance
staff from the Salamanca Fire Department and Cold Spring Volunteer Fire
Department upon their arrival; and
WHEREAS, Michael R. Soper, through his heroic actions, demonstrated
his character and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by
virtue of his actions, the collective concern of volunteer emergency
responders across the communities of the State of New York who voluntar-
ily respond when others are in need of help; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize and honor emergency responders 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 Michael R. Soper 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 tran-
smitted to Limestone Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael R. Soper.