Senate Resolution No. 2279

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

COMMENDING Deputy Sheriff Kevin Osika 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 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 Deputy
Sheriff Kevin Osika 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 Monday, May 27, 2019, Deputy Sheriff Kevin Osika of the
Putnam County Sheriff's Department responded to a report of a man who
parked his car on the westbound side of I-84 in Brewster, New York, and
was standing on the edge of the Veterans Memorial Bridge holding a piece
of paper; and

WHEREAS, Upon his arrival to the scene, Deputy Sheriff Kevin Osika
found the man with his arms raised, appearing ready to jump off the
bridge; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Deputy
Sheriff Kevin Osika approached the man slowly before grabbing him from
behind and pulling him to safety; and

WHEREAS, The 36-year-old man was found to have a suicide note in his
possession; he was taken to Putnam Hospital Center for a mental health
evaluation; and

WHEREAS, The proud father of four including newborn triplets, Deputy
Sheriff Kevin Osika truly went above and beyond the call of duty,
placing his own life at risk of falling off the bridge while wrestling
to save the life of another; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Sheriff Kevin Osika, in his spontaneous and heroic
act, has aptly demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare
of others, personifying, by virtue of his action, the collective concern
of the citizens across the communities of the State of New York who

respond without the thought of danger or reward when others are in need
of help; 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 Deputy Sheriff Kevin Osika 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 Deputy Sheriff Kevin Osika.