LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Officer James B. Chechak in recognition
of his heroic action in rescuing a child from the Seneca-Cayuga Canal on
July 22, 2014

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 preserve the life of another; and
WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of human life are cherished values,
worthy of safeguarding; this Legislative Body is proud to honor an indi-
vidual who would serve to protect it, lauding particularly one who would
clearly endanger his own life and safety on behalf of that cause; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Officer James
B. Chechak in recognition of his heroic action in rescuing a child from
the Seneca-Cayuga Canal on July 22, 2014; Waterloo Police Chief Doyle
Marquart presented this extraordinary Officer with an Award at a Village
Board Meeting on Monday, September 8, 2014, Village Hall, Waterloo, New
York; and
WHEREAS, On the afternoon of July 22, 2014, Officer James B. Chechak
and a second member of the Waterloo Police Department were called to a
home on East Main Street after a member of the community reported seeing
two unattended children playing in her backyard; and
WHEREAS, Officer James B. Chechak located the children's father with
one of the children, age four; the second child, just three years old,
was reported missing at that time; and
WHEREAS, The missing child was discovered in the Cayuga-Seneca Canal,
floating on his back approximately halfway across the waterway; without
hesitation Officer James B. Chechak requested the backup of an ambulance
and the local fire department while his fellow officer removed the boy
from the water; and
WHEREAS, Once out of the water, resuscitation efforts were adminis-
tered, and the boy, who was having difficulty breathing, was revived;
the child was transferred to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester for
overnight observation and was released the next day; and
WHEREAS, Officer James B. Chechak 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 spontaneous and heroic actions, Officer James B.
Chechak demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare of
others, personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern
of citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily
respond without the thought of danger or reward when others are in need
of help; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Officer James B. Chechak in recognition of his heroic action in
rescuing a child from the Seneca-Cayuga Canal on July 22, 2014; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Officer James B. Chechak.