Assembly Resolution No. 2064

BY: M. of A. Beephan

COMMENDING Investigator Andrew J. Hettinger upon
the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Superintendent's Commendation Award on May 16, 2024

WHEREAS, Law enforcement officers from the State of New York put
their lives on the line every day for the citizens of this great Empire
State; and

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values, worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to
honor those individuals who serve to preserve and protect such values,
lauding particularly their unwavering courage and dedication in the
daily performance of their duties; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Investigator Andrew J. Hettinger upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award to
be celebrated at the New York State Police 48th Annual Superintendent's
Commendation and Awards Day Ceremony at the State Police Academy in
Albany, New York, on Thursday, May 16, 2024; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished officers 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; it is appropriate to recognize and commend outstanding law
enforcement officers, such as Andrew J. Hettinger, for their valued
contributions to the community; and

WHEREAS, Andrew J. Hettinger, of Hopewell Junction, New York, has
been a member of the New York State Police, Troop K, in Wappingers
Falls, New York, since July 17, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Andrew J. Hettinger immediately responded to the dispatched
call from Dutchess County 9-1-1, regarding a major gas explosion in the
Village of Wappingers Falls, on November 2, 2023; upon his arrival, he
observed thick, black smoke, sparking power lines, and a residence
engulfed in uncontrolled flames; and

WHEREAS, Obtaining a fire extinguisher, Andrew J. Hettinger
immediately commenced extinguishing the imposing flames that were
burning a victim who was trapped in waist-high debris from a collapsed
building; and

WHEREAS, Having exhausted his extinguisher's use, Andrew J.
Hettinger removed his jacket to envelop a severely burned child who was
lying on the ground near the collapsed building; he carried the child to
the staging area which the local fire departments prepared at the end of
the roadway; and

WHEREAS, With the assistance of a Wappingers Falls police officer,
Andrew J. Hettinger returned to the scene and began dousing the flames

with a nearby fire hose; although he inhaled heavy smoke and airborne
particles, he continued to assist the fire department in their fight
against the horrific blaze, risking his own health to save the lives and
property of others; 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; Andrew J.
Hettinger should be embraced with admiration and respect by a grateful
citizenry; 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 Investigator Andrew J. Hettinger upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Investigator Andrew J. Hettinger.