LEGIALTIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jeff Heidtmann upon the occasion of being
selected the 2014 Person of the Year by THE SUFFOLK TIMES for rescuing
an elderly man who had fallen in an icy river

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of those exemplary citizens, who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, disregarding
their own safety, and in doing so, help others to avert life-threatening
danger; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jeff
Heidtmann upon the occasion of being selected the 2014 Person of the
Year by THE SUFFOLK TIMES for rescuing an elderly man who had fallen in
an icy river; and
WHEREAS, On January 3, 2014, an elderly man was walking along the dock
at his house in Southhold, New York, checking on the deicers breaking up
the frozen canal when he fell into the frigid water; for more than 15
minutes, he unsuccessfully tried to climb out of the canal; and
WHEREAS, Jeff Heidtmann, the victim's neighbor, was at home due to a
blizzard collecting firewood when he heard a man cry for help; he took
immediate action and rushed down to the dock, wrapping his legs around a
pole to pull the elderly man out by his belt; and
WHEREAS, Jeff Heidtmann then threw the man over his shoulder and ran
back up to the snow-covered hill to the victim's house, where he warmed
him with blankets and towels as Southold EMTs rushed to the scene; and
WHEREAS, Even though this situation could have been a dire one, today,
the 85-year-old man is alive and well, and credits Jeff Heidtmann for
his quick and astute heroic actions in rescuing him; and
WHEREAS, A week after the rescue, the Southold Town Board presented
Jeff Heidtmann with a plaque honoring his heroic efforts; he is truly an
inspiration for his courage and decisive action; and
WHEREAS, Jeff Heidtmann through his spontaneous and heroic actions,
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 the State of New York who volun-
tarily respond when others are in need of help; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jeff Heidtmann upon the occasion of being selected the 2014 Person
of the Year by THE SUFFOLK TIMES for rescuing an elderly man who had
fallen in an icy river; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jeff Heidtmann.