LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Deputy Joseph Steyer and Police Officer
Christopher Helsmoortel upon the occasion of receiving the Police Chiefs
Association of Ulster County's Meritorious Police Service Heroism Award
on May 4, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 exem-
plary contributions and service on behalf of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Deputy Joseph
Steyer and Police Officer Christopher Helsmoortel upon the occasion of
receiving the Police Chiefs Association of Ulster County's Meritorious
Police Service Heroism Award, to be celebrated at its Annual Awards
Banquet on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Ulster County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Steyer and Town of
Saugerties Police Officer Christopher Helsmoortel are being recognized
for taking immediate action at great personal risk, resulting in the
heroic rescue of multiple citizens; and
WHEREAS, On June 4, 2010, Deputy Joseph Steyer and Police Officer
Christopher Helsmoortel reacted promptly to a call to help a woman who
had fallen off a cliff; at great danger to themselves, both men
rappelled off the cliff, rescuing the woman and bringing her to safety;
and
WHEREAS, Immediately after the first rescue, Deputy Joseph Steyer and
Police Officer Christopher Helsmoortel were called to action, once
again, to retrieve two stranded rescuers who had also become trapped on
the cliff; the heroes, again, risked their own lives, rappelling down
the cliff to bring two more individuals to safety; 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 Deputy Joseph Steyer and Police Officer Christopher Helsmoortel
upon the occasion of receiving the Police Chiefs Association of Ulster
County's Meritorious Police Service Heroism Award on May 4, 2011; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Deputy Joseph Steyer and Police Officer Christopher Helsmoor-
tel.