Senate Resolution No. 2214

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING three Rome Police Officers upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished officers and citizens who would devote
themselves to public service, demonstrating great courage and diligence
in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their
communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend three Rome
Police Officers upon the occasion of their designation as recipients 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 Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at Franklyn's Field playground
in Rome, New York, a three-year-old little boy was being strapped into
his car seat when he began choking; his mother immediately removed him
from the vehicle and yelled for help; and

WHEREAS, The first to arrive on the scene, Sergeant Nick Martin
found a large crowd of 15 to 20 people who had responded to the mother's
cries for help; he was handed the unconscious and unresponsive toddler
and immediately began life-saving efforts, including the Heimlich
Maneuver and back blows; and

WHEREAS, Detective Jeffrey M. Lanigan and Officer Kelly L. Lupinski
were next on the scene where they joined Sergeant Nick Martin in
administering life-saving techniques; once it became evident the child
was getting some air, he was given oxygen and transferred to the
hospital where the candy was finally dislodged; and

WHEREAS, The quick and astute actions of these three Rome Police
Officers ultimately saved this little boy's life, allowing him to
experience a life full of tomorrows and a future filled with endless
possibilities; 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
commend three Rome Police Officers upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sergeant Nick Martin, Detective Jeffrey M. Lanigan and
Officer Kelly L. Lupinski.