Senate Resolution No. 2178

BY: Senator ORTT

HONORING Nicholas J. Walter upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the state of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant 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 exemplary citizens who take prompt and
appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so, help others
to avert life-threatening danger; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Nicholas J.
Walter upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty
Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, On Sunday, November 13, 2016, at approximately 11:10 a.m.,
the Niagara County Sheriff's Office Communications Center received a 911
call regarding a vehicle that had struck a tree in front of a residence
on Beach Ridge Road in the Town of Pendleton; the caller stated the
vehicle was on fire with someone trapped inside and they were unable to
get close to the vehicle due to the oppressive smoke and intense flames;
and

WHEREAS, Fortunately, off-duty Niagara County Sheriff's Deputy
Nicholas J. Walter was driving by the scene of the car accident and
immediately pulled over to see if he could be of assistance; and

WHEREAS, Nicholas J. Walter, along with two neighbors, rushed to the
vehicle to assist the conscious driver exit the vehicle; due to the
impact of the crash, the vehicle's engine had pinned down the driver's
legs; and

WHEREAS, With the help of one of the neighbors, Nicholas J. Walter
was able to free the legs of the driver, pulling him to safety;
immediately after the victim was removed, the flames spread throughout
the cabin where the male victim was seated; and

WHEREAS, Nicholas J. Walter distinguished himself during this
courageous act that involved great risk of imminent serious personal
injury, for the purpose of saving a human life; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Lockport, New York, Deputy Nicholas J. Walter
was hired by the Niagara County Sheriff's Office in May of 2013; he

graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy in December of
2013, where he earned the Academic Award for his class; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Nicholas J. Walter is a member of
the Wendelville Fire Company in the Town of Pendleton, New York, where
he has held the position of Captain since 2014; and

WHEREAS, Through his spontaneous and heroic actions, Nicholas J.
Walter demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare of
others, personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern
of ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who
voluntarily respond without the thought of danger or reward when others
are in need; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Nicholas J. Walter richly
merits the admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his
consummate courage and heroic actions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Nicholas J. Walter upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nicholas J. Walter.