LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm posthu-
mously 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, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Joseph Lemm
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
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution 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, A native of Nebraska Joseph Lemm began his career with the
NYPD at the 48th Precinct; in January of 2014, he was promoted to the
esteemed rank of Detective and began serving in the Bronx Warrant Squad;
and
WHEREAS, Fondly known as Superman, Detective Joseph Lemm was an enthu-
siastic member of the NYPD; while off duty in December of 2005, he
helped apprehend two of three teens he saw running from the scene of a
stabbing, and was consequently nominated for a Post Liberty Medal; and
WHEREAS, Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm was also a dedicated member of
the 105th Security Forces Squadron, which is an element of the 105th
Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base at Newburgh, New York;
this remarkable soldier was on his second deployment in Afghanistan when
he was killed on Monday, December 21, 2015, at the age of 45, in a trag-
ic incident outside Bagram Air Base; and
WHEREAS, In honor of Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm's valiant service
and ultimate sacrifice he made defending our great Nation, Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo directed that flags on New York State government build-
ings be flown at half-staff on December 23, 2015; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm is
survived by his loving wife, Christine, and two treasured children,
Brooke and Ryan; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm demonstrated his love for his country and
merits forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm 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 Joseph Lemm.