LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Officer Paul DeSousa of the Westchester
County Police Department in recognition of his heroic action in saving a
young pedestrian from serious injury

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in acknowledging its
esteemed residents who have distinguished themselves in their profession
and in their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Officer Paul
DeSousa of the Westchester County Police Department in recognition of
his heroic action in saving a young pedestrian from serious injury; and
WHEREAS, On January 9, 2015, Officer Paul DeSousa witnessed a 15 year-
old boy walking north on the shoulder adjacent to the southbound lanes
of the Saw Mill River Parkway; he was afraid the boy would be struck by
a car and pulled over to assist him; and
WHEREAS, A 2014 Infiniti lost control and headed straight towards
Officer Paul DeSousa and the boy as they stood by the rear passenger
door of the patrol car; and
WHEREAS, Responding without hesitation, or concern for his own welfare
and safety, Officer Paul DeSousa was able to get the young pedestrian on
the hood of the patrol car before the Infiniti struck him and his patrol
car; and
WHEREAS, Officer Paul DeSousa was treated for multiple non-life
threatening injuries and later released from Jacobi Medical Center; the
teen was not injured; and
WHEREAS, A 2005 graduate of Yorktown High School, Officer Paul DeSousa
has served the Westchester County Police Department with honor and
distinction for one year; in addition, this brave public servant proudly
served his country as a member of the United States military during
deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those dedicated
public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the preservation
of order and the protection of others are worthy 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 Officer Paul DeSousa of the Westchester County Police Department
in recognition of his heroic action, noting the significance of his
immediate and unconditional response to come to the aid of another in a
life-threatening situation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Officer Paul DeSousa.