Senate Resolution No. 3181

BY: Senator AKSHAR

COMMENDING Detective J. Matthew Barcak, Deputy
David Schoonover, Sergeant Dennis Pavelski and Erika
Harder for their prompt and heroic actions while at
the scene of a medical emergency on September 9.
2019

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 Detective
J. Matthew Barcak, Deputy David Schoonover, Sergeant Dennis Pavelski and
Erika Harder for their prompt and heroic actions while at the scene of a
medical emergency; and

WHEREAS, On Monday, September 9, 2019, Broome County Deputy Sheriff
Detective J. Matthew Barcak, Tioga County Sheriff Deputy David
Schoonover, and Binghamton Police Department Sergeant Dennis Pavelski
were working as instructors on the property of the old Binghamton
Psychiatric Hospital for the Officer Survival portion of the Zone 6
Police Academy recruit training; and

WHEREAS, The three instructors were closing for the training day and
preparing for the following day when a fellow officer appeared to become
disoriented; Detective J. Matthew Barcak immediately called 911, and
instructed Broome County Sherriff's office civilian employee, Erika
Harder, to search the victim's car for evidence of a pre-existing
medical condition; and

WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, the man began to display signs of
shallow breathing and subsequently, lost consciousness; fortunately, he
came to long enough to mumble "bee sting" before he appeared to go into
shock; and

WHEREAS, The three instructors then loaded their fellow officer into
Detective Barcak's vehicle and swiftly drove him down the hill to the
intersection of Court Street and Century Drive to meet with emergency
medical personnel; during the short drive, the man stopped breathing and
upon reaching the bottom of the hill, Detective Barcak provided rescue
breaths and CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived; and

WHEREAS, Due to the astute actions of Detective J. Matthew Barcak,
Deputy David Schoonover, Sergeant Dennis Pavelski and Erika Harder, the
victim made a full recovery and returned to work 10 days later; 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 Detective J. Matthew Barcak, Deputy David Schoonover, Sergeant
Dennis Pavelski and Erika Harder for their prompt and heroic actions
while at the scene of a medical emergency on September 9. 2019; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Detective J. Matthew Barcak, Deputy David Schoonover,
Sergeant Dennis Pavelski and Erika Harder.