Assembly Resolution No. 299

BY: M. of A. Blankenbush

HONORING Trooper Nicole M. Duvall upon the
occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Superintendent's Commendation Award on May 7, 2025

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

WHERESA, 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 honor
Trooper Nicole M. Duvall upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award to be celebrated at
the New York State Police 49th Annual Superintendent's Commendation and
Awards Day Ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2025, at the State Police
Academy in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, This prestigious award was established to honor outstanding
individuals, dedicated to their service to law enforcement, whose
valiant efforts protect the people of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Nicole M. Duvall of Rodman, New York, has been a
member of the New York State Police since September 13, 2021; and

WHEREAS, On March 28, 2024, Trooper Nicole M. Duvall along with
fellow Trooper Benjamin Freeman responded to a structure fire in the
Town of Richland, New York; upon arriving at the scene they found a
14-year-old girl in the front yard, who advised them that her mother was
still unresponsive at the rear of the residence in a locked room; and

WHEREAS, Filled with bravery, courage, and a strong sense of duty,
Trooper Nicole M. Duvall and Trooper Benjamin Freeman entered the
smoke-filled home, checking each room as they navigated through the
residence; and

WHEREAS, Halted by a locked door, the Troopers could hear a woman in
the bedroom moaning, but attempts to direct her were unsuccessful; they
proceeded to knock down the door and together they traversed through the
room, blinded by smoke, until they located the unresponsive woman with
their hands; and

WHEREAS, Despite the conditions, Trooper Nicole M. Duvall and
Trooper Benjamin Freeman managed to physically remove the woman from the
bed and assisted her out of the residence, leading her to be evaluated
by Emergency Medical Services and transported to the hospital for
further treatment; and

WHEREAS, The quick thinking, calm demeanor under pressure, bravery,
and exemplary performance of duty of Trooper Nicole M. Duvall when faced
with a chaotic scene, such as the one on March 28, 2024, is in the
highest traditions and standards of the New York State Police and is
worthy of both praise and honor; 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
honor Trooper Nicole M. Duvall upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award; and be it further

RESOVLED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Trooper Nicole M. Duvall.