Senate Resolution No. 1817

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Andrew Costello 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 Andrew
Costello 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, A remarkable Oneida Nation police officer from Bridgeport,
New York, Andrew Costello is worthy of recognition for his actions that
saved the life of another individual; and

WHEREAS, On Sunday February 4, 2024, Andrew Costello heroically
rescued his neighbor who had fallen through the ice while fishing on
Oneida Lake; while off duty, and with no hesitation, he called 911 and
grabbed a ladder to run to the aid of the fisherman; and

WHEREAS, Using the ladder and remaining calm under pressure, Andrew
Costello was able to safely pull the fisherman from the ice and assist
him to shore; Oneida Indian Nation Police and members of the Bridgeport
Fire Department reported to the scene shortly after; and

WHEREAS, EMTs on scene reported that the fisherman's safety float
suit was severely waterlogged and if Andrew Costello had not acted as
quickly as he did, the fisherman would not have survived; and

WHEREAS, Andrew Costello's brave and swift response to this
life-saving incident is a testament to the values he holds as an
individual; he has shown his commitment to the safety and well-being of
Oneida Indian Nation Members and residents of Oneida and Madison
Counties; and

WHEREAS, For his astute and courageous actions, Oneida Indian Nation
Representative Ray Halbritter and Oneida Indian Nation Police Chief
David Verne awarded Costello for his life-saving efforts; 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 Andrew Costello 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 Andrew Costello.