LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Officer Connie Smith upon the occasion
of her designation as recipient of the Judith S. Kaye Service Award for
Heroism by the New York State Court of Appeals on May 2, 2016

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Officer Connie
Smith upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Judith S.
Kaye Service Award for Heroism by the New York State Court of Appeals,
feted at a Law Day Celebration on Monday, May 2, 2016; and
WHEREAS, An Officer with the Appellate Division-Third Department in
Albany, New York, Connie Smith was part of a small group of court
employees who saved an Associate Justice's life after he had collapsed;
and
WHEREAS, After noticing that the Associate Justice was not breathing,
without hesitation Officer Connie Smith instinctually took over CPR
while the defibrillator was set up; for six minutes, she and her fellow
employees actively worked on the Judge before he showed signs of
consciousness; and
WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, EMS arrived and provided advanced care to
the fully alert Judge, who was transported to the hospital 30 minutes
later; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to the committed efforts of Officer Connie Smith and
her peers, the Judge made a full recovery and subsequently, returned to
his duties on the bench; and
WHEREAS, Connie Smith should be meritoriously commended for remaining
calm under pressure and for showing valor and true courage while
performing a lifesaving deed; and
WHEREAS, Through her spontaneous and heroic actions, Connie Smith
demonstrated her character and her compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of her actions, the collective concern of ordi-
nary 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 Connie Smith upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Judith S. Kaye Service Award for Heroism by the New York State Court
of Appeals on May 2, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Connie Smith.