Senate Resolution No. 2488

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 30th Anniversary of Mercy Flight
Central

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those organizations that contribute substantially to the
health and well-being of their communities, thereby enhancing the
well-being of the entire Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Mercy Flight Central; and

WHEREAS, Established by Douglas H. Baker, owner and operator of
LaSalle Ambulance, Mercy Flight Central was founded as a non-profit
organization in 1992; and

WHEREAS, Mercy Flight Central was the pioneer air-medical service in
New York State and one of the first operations of its kind in the United
States; and

WHEREAS, Beginning with one base and a leased helicopter in Buffalo,
New York, Mercy Flight Central now has three bases, each with a
helicopter that can travel up to 150 miles from the base, and a
dedicated staff, allowing the service to operate non-stop, every hour of
every day throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, The success of Mercy Flight Central is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its President and CEO, James L. Cox, the
distinguished Board of Directors, and the hardworking and dedicated team
of approximately 70 employees, all of whom are considered integral parts
of the success of Mercy Flight Central; their involvement is, and always
has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, Mercy Flight Central has served more than 15,000 patients,
often providing life-saving emergency medical support from their
helicopters before delivering a patient to a hospital; they have truly
fulfilled and continue to fulfill their mission of being devoted to
integrity, compassion, and excellence in providing critical care to the
sick and injured; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional organization and its vibrant role in
improving the quality of life in its community, and in communities
across the state, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the
sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Mercy Flight Central; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James L. Cox, President and CEO, Mercy Flight Central.