LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Winston I. Martindale, Jr. posthumously
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal,
the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State
Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
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, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of another; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Winston I.
Martindale, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an indi-
vidual by the New York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by a
resolution in 2014 and is awarded to individuals who have merited
special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on
behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Winston I. Martindale, Jr. died on July 24, 2013, at the age
of 40; he succumbed to complications he sustained in a rescue attempt at
a 2011 plane crash in the Town of Wawayanda, New York; and
WHEREAS, Winston I. Martindale, Jr. was one of the first responding
units to the crash involving two small planes that had collided; despite
his injuries, he continued his efforts to free the two pilots from the
wreckage; and
WHEREAS, For seven years, Winston I. Martindale, Jr. served with the
New York State Police as a Trooper, and was assigned to the New Hampton
barracks; he also served his country as a member of the United States
Army during Operation Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS, In addition to receiving a Liberty Medal, Winston I. Martin-
dale, Jr.'s name was inscribed in the granite walls of the Police Offi-
cers' Memorial in Albany, New York, for his bravery and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, Winston I. Martindale, Jr. is survived by his wife, Michelle,
and their two children, as well as his parents, sister, and brother, all
of whom feel privileged to have been a part of his life and rejoice in
his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Today, the bravery and willingness of Winston I. Martindale,
Jr. to fight for the lives of his fellow human beings, continues to
inspire, and is deserving of the highest honor by all defenders of free-
dom; and
WHEREAS, Individuals such as Winston I. Martindale, Jr. devoted to
improving the quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives
of dignity and self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recog-
nition; and
WHEREAS, Winston I. Martindale, Jr. through his spontaneous and heroic
actions, demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare
of others, personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective
concern of ordinary citizens across the community of the State of New
York who voluntarily respond when others are in need of help; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Winston I. Martindale, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Winston I. Martindale, Jr.