LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sergeant Nathaniel Leonard in recogni-
tion of his heroic and lifesaving actions on November 10, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals in public
service who take prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations,
nobly risking their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of
another; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Sergeant Nathaniel Leonard of the SUNY Oneonta Police Department in
recognition of his heroic and lifesaving actions on November 10, 2011;
and
WHEREAS, On the evening of Thursday, November 10, 2011, Sergeant
Nathaniel Leonard responded to the call when Dale E. Burrington, a
retired Hartwick College professor, accidentally drove his car into a
pond near Hunt College Union on the SUNY Oneonta campus; and
WHEREAS, Without delay, Sergeant Leonard jumped into the pond and swam
to the submerged vehicle with the trapped motorist inside; using the
skills and techniques he learned as a police officer, he was able to
break open the back window to gain access to Mr. Burrington; and
WHEREAS, Promptly and courageously, Sergeant Nathaniel Leonard
extracted Dale E. Burrington from the car and pulled him to safety; and
WHEREAS, Due to the quick and astute actions of Sergeant Nathaniel
Leonard, Mr. Burrington sustained only minor injuries; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Nathaniel Leonard has truly distinguished himself as
one of New York's finest; when an act of such magnanimous heroism is
brought to our official attention, the same should be memorialized for
the edification and emulation of all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor SUNY Oneonta Sergeant Nathaniel Leonard in recognition of his
heroic and lifesaving actions on November 10, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sergeant Nathaniel Leonard.