Senate Resolution No. 1473

BY: Senator RYAN C

COMMENDING John J. Cottrell 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, Members of the police force of the State of New York,
serving their communities with bravery and honor, deserve a special
salute from this esteemed Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend John J.
Cottrell 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, John J. Cottrell, of Syracuse, New York, is a dedicated and
exemplary public servant who has spent his life tirelessly and
selflessly working to support the people of his community; and

WHEREAS, John J. Cottrell, who was named the Cicero Police
Department's Community Policing Officer of the Year, has lived a life
defined by service, dedication, and integrity; when he is not fulfilling
his duties as a member of the Geddes Police Department, he contributes
to his community through coaching Pop Warner football, participating in
the Special Olympics, and organizing several annual Special Olympics
fundraisers; and

WHEREAS, For his outstanding performance, unwavering commitment to
public safety, and reflection of the highest standards of
professionalism and dedication, John J. Cottrell has received a Letter
of Commendation from the Geddes Police Chief; and

WHEREAS, On the evening of Sunday, September 28, 2025, while serving
as the Head Coach of the 1OU Geddes Knights Pop Warner football team at
the Geddes ball fields, John J. Cottrell observed a disturbance
involving a group of males engaged in a physical altercation at the
northwest corner of the field; during the incident, he identified one
individual who held a knife and another who appeared to draw a handgun
from his waistband; and

WHEREAS, Despite being off duty and unaware that a male had already
been stabbed, John J. Cottrell immediately took decisive action by
approaching the group and identifying himself as a police officer; and

WHEREAS, When the individual with the knife, along with three other
males, fled across the field toward the parking lot, John J. Cottrell
pursued them on foot; he stopped at his personal vehicle to retrieve his
police credentials and continued the pursuit, ultimately confronting the
group in the parking lot; maintaining a safe distance, due to the

potential threat of armed individuals, he identified himself as a police
officer again, instructing them to stop, to which the individuals
complied; and

WHEREAS, While awaiting the arrival of Geddes Police units, John J.
Cottrell observed the group pacing between vehicles before entering a
vehicle and fleeing the scene; he promptly provided responding officers
with a detailed description of the suspects, their vehicle, and the
license plate number; additionally, he recognized one of the individuals
which proved to be critical information for the investigation; and

WHEREAS, John J. Cottrell's courage, professionalism, and calm
demeanor during this incident were truly exemplary; despite the inherent
risks involved in intervening in an off-duty capacity, his actions
undoubtedly prevented a potentially larger tragedy from unfolding; his
dedication, extensive training, and more than two decades of law
enforcement experience were evident throughout the incident; and

WHEREAS, John J. Cottrell stands as an example of duty,
perseverance, and service to both country and community; his
contributions represent the very spirit of the New York State Senate
Liberty Medal; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism, as a Seabee in the United
States Navy, John J. Cottrell has demonstrated his love for his country
and merits forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend John J. Cottrell 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 John J. Cottrell.