LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending NYPD Police Officer Steven C. Stefana-
kos in recognition of his heroic actions in helping to rescue a
distraught woman on the Kosciuszko Bridge

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take prompt and appro-
priate action in emergency situations; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Steven C. Stefanakos in recognition of his heroic actions in helping a
distraught woman on the Kosciuszko Bridge; and
WHEREAS, Officer Steven Stefanakos has proudly served the New York
City Police Department for the past 24 years; he has contributed 20 of
those years to the Emergency Service Unit where he currently teaches
officers how to interact with emotionally disturbed persons in crisis;
and
WHEREAS, On April 6, 2015, Officer Steven Stefanakos responded with
Emergency Service Unit Truck 10 to a 911 call of a suicidal woman on the
Kosciuszko Bridge; he rushed to the woman's location and found the
distraught woman standing precariously on the outside of a bridge rail-
ing; and
WHEREAS, Using empathy and de-escalation techniques learned in his
training, Officer Steven Stefanakos carefully worked to build a rapport
with the distraught woman, convinced her to come off the ledge, and
subsequently pulled her to safety; and
WHEREAS, Officer Steven Stefanakos should be meritoriously commended
for remaining calm under pressure and for showing valor and true courage
while performing a lifesaving deed; and
WHEREAS, Through his heroic actions, Officer Steven Stefanakos demon-
strated his character and his compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of police
officers across the community of New York State who respond without the
thought of danger or reward when others are in need of help; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Officer Steven Stefanakos in recognition of his heroic actions
in helping to rescue a distraught woman on the Kosciuszko Bridge; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to NYPD Police Officer Steven Stefanakos.