LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sergeant James T. Conway upon the occa-
sion of his designation as the recipient of a Superintendent's Commenda-
tion Award at the 36th Annual New York State Police Awards Day Ceremony
on May 17, 2012

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values, worthy of safeguarding; this Legislative Body is moved to honor
those who preserve and protect such values, lauding particularly their
unwavering courage and dedication in the daily performance of their
duties; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Sergeant James T. Conway, of Troop G in Loudonville, upon the occasion
of his designation as the recipient of a Superintendent's Commendation
Award; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant James T. Conway received the award in recognition of
his outstanding police work at the 36th Annual State Police Awards Day
Ceremony, held at the New York State Police Academy in Albany on Thurs-
day, May 17, 2012; and
WHEREAS, On October 14, 2011, when he was off-duty at his residence,
at about 1:54 p.m., he heard what sounded like an accident; when he
observed a vehicle partially submerged in Faxons Pond, he immediately
drove to the scene where a small group of people assembled at the
water's edge advised him that someone was trapped inside the vehicle;
and
WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Sergeant Conway entered the chilly waters
of the Adirondack pond; the vehicle was approximately 70 percent
submerged, with only the cargo area of the 2011 Subaru SUV exposed; upon
reaching the vehicle, he was up to his neck in the pond and was unable
to open the hatch; and
WHEREAS, As the vehicle floated in the pond, a slight current began
drawing it toward the culvert which allowed the water to flow under
Riverside Drive and Sergeant Conway heard cries for help from the
71-year-old woman trapped inside and saw that she was making her way to
the rear cargo area to keep her head in the diminishing air bubble
inside the vehicle; and
WHEREAS, Immediately assessing the situation, Sergeant Conway asked a
bystander to get him a rock; a man provided a piece of blacktop which
was about the size of a fist which Sergeant Conway used to smash the
rear window of the SUV, and the vehicle began to sink rapidly; and
WHEREAS, Seeing this, Sergeant Conway reached in and grabbed hold of
the woman and brought her out through the rear window opening; and
WHEREAS, The vehicle sank in six feet of water and Sergeant Conway
brought the driver to shore where she was tended to by EMS personnel and
was treated at the local hospital and released; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant James T. Conway is certainly to be commended for his
actions; his immediate response while off-duty, and his decisive
actions, likely saved this woman's life and his efforts reflect great
credit upon himself and on the Division of State Police; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with the finest traditions of the New York State
Police, Sergeant James T. Conway has distinguished himself by his exem-
plary achievement and outstanding performance on behalf of the community
he so faithfully and courageously serves; and
WHEREAS, The dedicated efforts of public servants, such as Sergeant
James T. Conway, who unselfishly devote their lives to the preservation
of order and the protection of others are worthy of the full praise of

this Legislative Body and the people of the State of New York; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sergeant James T. Conway upon the occasion of his designation as
the recipient of a Superintendent's Commendation Award at the 36th Annu-
al New York State Police Awards Day Ceremony on May 17, 2012; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sergeant James T. Conway.