LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring New York State Police Officer Joseph M.
Bleichner upon the occasion of receiving the Police Chief's Association
of Ulster County's Meritorious Police Service -- Lifesaving Award on May
8, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those distinguished officers and citizens who 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, expressing its highest regard and admiration for the
great skill and courageous dedication exhibited by those who take prompt
and heroic action in an emergency situation; 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 exem-
plary contributions and service on behalf of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor New York State
Police Officer Joseph M. Bleichner upon the occasion of receiving the
Police Chief's Association of Ulster County's Meritorious Police Service
-- Lifesaving Award at its Law Enforcement Awards Banquet to be held at
the Hillside Manor in Kingston, New York, on Friday, May 8, 2009; and
WHEREAS, On December 15, 2008, Trooper Joseph Bleichner, stationed at
Ellenville, was dispatched by Ulster County 911 to a report of a subject
choking; upon arrival, Trooper Bleichner was confronted by an elderly
female, leaning over and unable to breathe; her daughter, who was also
present, advised Trooper Bleichner that her mother was choking on food;
Trooper Bleichner then performed the Heimlich Maneuver on the woman and
dislodged the food from her throat, at which time she began to breathe
again; and
WHEREAS, The Kerhonkson/Accord First Aid Squad subsequently arrived on
scene and transported the woman to Ellenville Regional Hospital for
further evaluation; at that point it would have been sufficient for
Trooper Bleichner to end his contact; instead, further demonstrating his
concern, he drove to the hospital to check on her condition; and
WHEREAS, Choking emergencies such as these require a prompt response
to ensure survival due to the rapid onset of physical damage or death
from lack of oxygen; due to Trooper Bleichner's prompt response and
prompt recall of first aid training, he was able to quickly administer
life saving aid to the stricken woman; and
WHEREAS, Through his heroic actions, Trooper Bleichner demonstrated
his character and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying the
collective concern of public servants and ordinary citizens across the
community of the State of New York who respond when others are in need
of help; 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 New York State Police Officer Joseph M. Bleichner upon the occa-
sion of receiving the Police Chief's Association of Ulster County's
Meritorious Police Service -- Lifesaving Award on May 8, 2009; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to New York State Police Officer Joseph M. Bleichner.