LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Robert Shields upon the occasion of his
designation as the recipient of a Department of Corrections and Communi-
ty Supervision Medal of Merit at the 36th Annual New York State Police
Awards Day Ceremony on June 14, 2012

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values, worthy of safeguarding; this Legislative Body is moved to honor
those who 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
Robert Shields, currently a Lieutenant at the Elmira Correctional Facil-
ity and, at the time of the incident for which he is being recognized, a
Sergeant at the Five Points Correctional Facility, upon the occasion of
his designation as the recipient of a Department of Corrections and
Community Supervision Medal of Merit at the 36th Annual New York State
Police Awards Day Ceremony on June 14, 2012; and
WHEREAS, He received the award in recognition of his outstanding work
at the 36th Annual State Police Awards Day Ceremony, held at the New
York State Police Academy in Albany on Thursday, June 14, 2012; and
WHEREAS, On April 26, 2011, then Sergeant Robert Shields was fishing
with his two young sons on the Seneca River in the Town of Seneca Falls,
New York; while fishing they heard a woman crying out for help; the
three of them got into their truck and crossed the bridge to the other
side of the river where they discovered a woman struggling in the cold,
swift river; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Shields tied a rope around his waist and attempted
to get the woman to hold onto the other end; the woman was, however, too
cold to hold onto the rope so they attempted to get a ladder to her; and
WHEREAS, Their rescue attempts continued for approximately 20 minutes
until the Red Jacket Fire Department arrived; according to Fire Chief
Allen Larsen, when they arrived, Sergeant Shields was leaning over the
edge of the river on his stomach holding onto the woman while his sons
held onto his legs and feet; with the additional help, they were able to
safely retrieve the woman out of the water and get her the treatment she
needed for severe hypothermia and chest pains; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Shields, without regard for his own safety, came to
the immediate assistance of a stranger in extreme danger; his action
exemplifies his commitment to selflessly assisting others and his excep-
tional representation of the employees of the Department of Corrections
and Community Supervision; and
WHEREAS, Robert Shields is certainly to be commended for his actions;
his quick thinking and initiative likely saved the woman's life and, his
efforts reflect great credit upon himself and on the State of New York
Department of Corrections and Community Supervision; and
WHEREAS, Robert Shields has distinguished himself by his exemplary
achievement and outstanding performance on behalf of those he so faith-
fully and courageously serves; and
WHEREAS, The dedicated efforts of public servants, such as Robert
Shields, who unselfishly devote their lives to the preservation of order
and the protection of others are worthy of the full praise of this
Legislative Body and the people of the State of New York; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Robert Shields upon the occasion of his designation as the recipi-
ent of a Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Medal of

Merit at the 36th Annual New York State Police Awards Day Ceremony on
June 14, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert Shields.