LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John Matyas upon the occasion of receiv-
ing the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's Medal of
Merit on June 14, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, remaining calm
under pressure, to come to the assistance of persons in peril; and
WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of human life are cherished values,
worthy of safeguarding; this Legislative Body is proud to honor an indi-
vidual who would serve to protect these ideals; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John
Matyas upon the occasion of receiving the Department of Corrections and
Community Supervision's Medal of Merit on Tuesday, June 14, 2011; and
WHEREAS, On October 20, 2010, the operator of a vehicle traveling
westbound on Interstate 90 drove off the north shoulder of the roadway
and struck a tree; and
WHEREAS, John Matyas, a New York State Correction Officer, witnessed
the accident and immediately assisted in extracting the driver who was
unconscious and trapped inside the burning vehicle; and
WHEREAS, John Matyas's immediate response and spontaneous actions
should be meritoriously praised; equally commendable was his ability to
remain calm under pressure, while risking his own life to perform a
truly valiant deed; and
WHEREAS, Through his spontaneous and heroic actions, John Matyas
demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of ordi-
nary citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily
respond without the thought of danger or reward when others are in need
of help; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John Matyas upon the occasion of receiving the Department of
Corrections and Community Supervision's Medal of Merit on June 14, 2011;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Matyas.