LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Master Sergeant Thomas Curran upon the
occasion of receiving the United States Air Force Commendation Medal on
Friday, December 4, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those distinguished officers who 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, expressing its highest regard and admiration for the great skill
and courageous dedication exhibited by those who take prompt and heroic
action in an emergency situation; 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 Master
Sergeant Thomas Curran upon the occasion of receiving the United States
Air Force Commendation Medal on Friday, December 4, 2015; and
WHEREAS, The United States Air Force Commendation Medal is awarded to
Airmen for outstanding achievement or meritorious service; and
WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Thomas Curran, a member of the New York Air
National Guard since 1990, and a 26 year veteran of the United States
military, was presented with the prestigious medal during a wing forma-
tion in recognition of his lifesaving actions on Saturday, November 14,
2015; and
WHEREAS, On that Saturday, like many other days, Master Sergeant
Thomas Curran went to the AIM Cafe in Newburgh, New York; as he was
approaching the lunch counter he quickly realized something was wrong
and asked what was going on; and
WHEREAS, When a clerk said a man had collapsed, suffering from what
appeared to be cardiac arrest, Master Sergeant Thomas Curran immediately
made his way around the counter and into the dining room to find the
owner of the restaurant, Al Blanco, administering CPR at the direction
of 911 operators over the telephone; and
WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Thomas Curran, who is certified in CPR as a
member of the United States Air National Guard, took over; and
WHEREAS, Emergency medical personnel arrived a short time later and
Master Sergeant Thomas Curran helped the medics administer an Automated
External Defibrillator (AED); concerned about the man's condition,
Master Sergeant Thomas Curran then drove to St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital
in Newburgh, New York, to check on his condition; and
WHEREAS, Due to Master Sergeant Thomas Curran's quick actions, the man
would not have survived long enough to make it to the emergency room
where he was treated and admitted to the intensive care unit for further
care; and
WHEREAS, Through his heroic actions, Master Sergeant Thomas Curran
demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying the collective concern of public servants and ordinary
citizens across the community of the State of New York who respond when
others are in need of help; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that 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 Master Sergeant Thomas Curran upon the occasion of receiving the

United States Air Force Commendation Medal on Friday, December 4, 2015;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Master Sergeant Thomas Curran.