LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Police Officer Joseph Verdi in recogni-
tion of his heroic action in the course of his duties, protecting the
many lives of the citizens of Suffolk County

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values, worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to
honor those individuals who serve to preserve and protect such values,
lauding particularly their unwavering courage and dedication in the
daily performance of their duties; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of those exemplary police officers who
take prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, 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
Suffolk County Police Officer Joseph Verdi in recognition of his heroic
action in the course of his duties, protecting the many lives of the
citizens of Suffolk County; and
WHEREAS, Suffolk County Police Officer Joseph Verdi suffered minor
injuries when a driver plowed his van head-on into the cop's car while
the officer was attempting to protect other drivers from the van that
was traveling the wrong way on Sunrise Highway on Thursday, January 28,
2016; and
WHEREAS, At approximately 3:00 a.m. Officer Joseph Verdi responded to
a 911 call regarding a vehicle traveling the wrong way on Sunrise High-
way; and
WHEREAS, Without hesitation and in an effort to protect other east-
bound motorists, Officer Joseph Verdi responded and slowed traffic by
activating his emergency lights and weaving between the lanes of travel;
his patrol car was subsequently struck head-on by the van; and
WHEREAS, A true hero, Officer Joseph Verdi was transported to Brookha-
ven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in East Patchogue, New York, where
he was treated for minor injuries and released; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those dedicated
police officers 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; and
WHEREAS, Police Officer Joseph Verdi, through his spontaneous and
heroic actions, demonstrated his character and his compassion for the
welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collec-
tive concern of public servants across the community of the State of New
York who respond when others are in need; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Police Officer Joseph Verdi in recognition of his heroic action in
the course of his duties, protecting the many lives of the citizens of
Suffolk County; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Police Officer Joseph Verdi.