LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring all heroic responders involved in two
recent incidences on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in recognition of
their prompt and heroic actions

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, remaining calm
under pressure, in an effort to come to the aid of another; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor all
the heroic responders involved in the two recent incidences on the
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in recognition of their prompt and heroic
actions; and
WHEREAS, In the first incident, after a good Samaritan who was going
through the toll booth of the Verrazano Bridge stopped to tell police
officers an empty car was parked mid-span, four MTA Bridges and Tunnels
officers and a maintenance worker rushed to the aid of a Staten Island
man who was hanging on the side of the bridge by one arm; and
WHEREAS, The team of rescuers were TBTA Officers Jared Reeves and
Joseph Dahl, Lieutenant Cheryl DeSetto, Sergeant Michael Chiarelli, and
maintenance worker Giuseppe Bonamico; and
WHEREAS, As a result of the courageous, skilled and timely actions of
these heroic responders, the Staten Island man was saved from a death
plunge; and
WHEREAS, In the second incident, Bridges and Tunnels Officer Edward
Grimm saved the life of a man who recently attempted to jump from the
lower level of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge; and
WHEREAS, Edward Grimm was on routine highway patrol the night of April
4, 2012, when he spotted a car driving slowly and impeding traffic on
the lower level of the bridge, heading into Brooklyn; thinking the driv-
er might be having car trouble, he pulled up behind him and put on his
emergency lights; and
WHEREAS, The man driving the car suddenly threw it into park without
fully stopping and jumped out, acting erratically, waving his arms and
muttering to himself; and
WHEREAS, Edward Grimm immediately radioed for assistance; at the same
time an NYPD Emergency Services truck was crossing the bridge and
stopped to help; the man suddenly bolted to the side of the bridge and
attempted to climb over; acting together, the three officers subdued the
man; and
WHEREAS, These three heroic responders showed outstanding courage and
determination in the face of tragedy; their astute actions successfully
brought the man to safety; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to individuals within the State of New York who perform
rescue operations with diligence and precision, resulting in heroic
life-saving actions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor all heroic responders involved in two recent incidences on the
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in recognition of their prompt and heroic
actions; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the heroic responders.