LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Correction Officer Michael Cassidy upon
the occasion of his designation as the recipient of a New York State
Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Medal of Merit on
June 14, 2012

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values, worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to
honor individuals who preserve and protect such values, lauding partic-
ularly 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
Correction Officer Michael Cassidy upon the occasion of his designation
as the recipient of a New York State Department of Corrections and
Community Supervision Medal of Merit on June 14, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the New York State Department of Corrections and
Community Supervision confers this most prestigious honor recognizing
extraordinary service upon employees who have displayed singular courage
and outstanding service during a ceremony at the Training Academy in
Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, On August 29, 2011, Correction Officer William Tolli was on
his way to work at the Woodbourne Correctional Facility when he observed
a serious one car rollover accident; Correction Officer Tolli called 911
and without hesitation went to help the driver who was found suspended
by his seatbelt and unconscious in the vehicle; and
WHEREAS, The vehicle was upside down, still running and had smoke
coming out of it; Correction Officer Tolli broke out the back window of
the vehicle, crawled inside, shut off the engine and unlocked the doors;
and
WHEREAS, With the assistance of Correction Officer Michael Cassidy of
the Sullivan Correctional Facility, who had also come upon the accident,
they were able to release the seatbelt and lower the unconscious driver
down thus taking the weight off of his head and neck which was resting
against the roof; and
WHEREAS, They moved him to an area a safe distance away from his vehi-
cle; Correction Officers Tolli and Cassidy remained with the driver
until the ambulance and EMTs arrived; and
WHEREAS, The driver, later identified as Nicholas Chalk, Supervising
Correction Counselor at Woodbourne Correctional Facility, was trans-
ported to the hospital then airlifted to a trauma center; and
WHEREAS, Correction Officers Tolli and Cassidy, without regard for
their own safety, came to the immediate assistance of a stranger who
they later found out to be a fellow Department employee; their actions
exemplify the caliber of the employees of the Department of Corrections
and Community Supervision, as well as their exceptional contribution to
public service; and
WHEREAS, Officer Michael Cassidy distinguished himself with this act
of bravery that went above and beyond the call of duty; he is a shining
example of what a Correctional Services Officer represents, but more
importantly, he is an example of the best of what humanity has to offer;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those dedicated
public servants, such as Michael Cassidy, who unselfishly devote their
lives to the preservation of order and the protection of others are
worthy of 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 Correction Officer Michael Cassidy upon the occasion of his desig-
nation as the recipient of a New York State Department of Corrections
and Community Supervision Medal of Merit on June 14, 2012; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Correction Officer Michael Cassidy.