Senate Resolution No. 781

BY: Senator WEIK

COMMENDING Guillermo Sandoval 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 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 life of another; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Guillermo Sandoval 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 the evening of Saturday, April 10, 2021, former United
States Marine Guillermo Sandoval heard a loud crash before stepping
outside and witnessing a Suffolk County police officer chasing a suspect
into the backyard of his residence on South Ocean Avenue in Patchogue,
New York; and

WHEREAS, The suspect, who was pulled over for driving erratically
with no headlights, attempted to flee on foot but instead was embroiled
in a struggle with the officer who he stabbed in the leg during the
altercation; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Guillermo Sandoval saw the injured
officer struggling in his yard and without hesitation or regard for his
own safety, immediately used a belt as a tourniquet to slow the flow of
blood from the cop's badly injured leg and later helped carry the
officer to the patrol car which transported him to the hospital; and

WHEREAS, The injured officer was taken to Long Island Community
Hospital in East Patchogue, and later transferred to Stony Brook
University Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured
artery; thanks to the quick thinking of Guillermo Sandoval, he is
expected to recover from his injuries; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Guillermo Sandoval richly
merits the admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his
consummate, swift action in saving the life of this police officer; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, Guillermo Sandoval should be meritoriously
commended for remaining calm under pressure and for showing valor and
true courage while performing a lifesaving deed; and

WHEREAS, Guillermo Sandoval, in his spontaneous and heroic act, has
so aptly demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of
others, personifying, by virtue of his 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 Guillermo Sandoval 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 Guillermo Sandoval.