Senate Resolution No. 784

BY: Senator SERINO

COMMENDING the Kuttruf Family for their prompt and
heroic actions in rescuing a man trapped in the icy
waters of Lake Oscawana on January 23, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Kuttruf Family for their prompt and heroic actions in
rescuing a man trapped in the icy waters of Lake Oscawana; and

WHEREAS, Around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, a man was
riding his ATV across frozen Lake Oscawana in Putnam Valley, New York,
when the ice suddenly gave way, plunging him into the frigid water; and

WHEREAS, Fortunately, his neighbors, Jennifer and Bruce Kuttruf and
their 14 year-old son Zachary heard the victim's scream of terror and
saw his head bobbing in the water; after calling 911, the Kuttrufs ran
outside, and Zachary flagged down the responding Deputy Jonathan
Bradley, while Jennifer and Bruce attempted to reach the man with a
garden hose; and

WHEREAS, Realizing the garden hose was not long enough, Jennifer
Kuttruf then found a 50-foot extension cord; the family, along with
Deputy Bradley, were able to successfully pull the drowning victim to
safety; and

WHEREAS, As a result of the courageous and timely actions of Bruce,
Jennifer and Zachary Kuttruf, and Deputy Jonathan Bradley, their
neighbor was saved from certain death; and

WHEREAS, Zachary Kuttruf will forever be grateful for his Boy Scout
training and will always remain true to its code, "to always be
prepared, no excuses"; and

WHEREAS, The Kuttruf Family, in their spontaneous and heroic act,
has so aptly demonstrated their character and compassion for the welfare
of others, personifying, by virtue of their action, the collective
concern of ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who
voluntarily respond without thought of danger or reward when others are
in need of help; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Kuttruf Family for their prompt and heroic actions in
rescuing a man trapped in the icy waters of Lake Oscawana on January 23,
2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Kuttruf Family.