LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring New York City Police Officer Patrick
Espeut for his courage and bravery while acting in the line of duty

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values, worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to
honor those individuals who serve to preserve and protect such values,
lauding particularly their unwavering courage and dedication in the
daily performance of their duties; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Espeut, a valiant officer with the New York City
Police Department (NYPD) and resident of Southeast, New York, was serv-
ing on the NYPD's Bronx Housing Bureau's Impact Response Team when he
was injured in the line of duty on Thursday, February 4, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Espeut, and his partner, Diara Cruz, as well as a
third officer were on routine patrol of the Melrose Houses on East 156th
Street in the Bronx when they encountered two men in the stairwell and
asked them for identification; and
WHEREAS, One of the men told the officers his ID was upstairs; unbek-
nownst to the officer, the man was in possession of a 32-caliber handgun
and a black duffel bag with a sawed off shotgun; as he went upstairs, he
fired on the officers; and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately, Patrick Espeut was shot, and subsequently, was
rushed to Lincoln Hospital and thankfully, was released the next day;
his fellow officer, Diara Cruz, was also struck; she underwent surgery
and is expected to make a complete recovery; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his role as a courageous and dedicated NYPD
Police Officer, Patrick Espeut holds the rank of Technical Sergeant with
the 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard, where he has
earned the respect and admiration of his peers as a broadcaster in the
public affairs section; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Espeut performed his duties as a Police Officer with
honor, integrity, and pride; he is a wonderful role model and inspira-
tion to his fellow officers; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those 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 New York City Police Officer Patrick Espeut for his courage and
bravery while acting in the line of duty; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to New York City Police Officer Patrick Espeut.