LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ralph Oswald upon the occasion of being
inducted into the New York State EMS Memorial in Albany, New York, on
May 17, 2016

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude to
those devoted individuals who recognize that the preservation of life
and property is a sacred responsibility and who make that responsibility
their own by serving as EMS volunteers; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Ralph Oswald upon the occasion of being inducted into the New York State
EMS Memorial at the Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York, on Tuesday,
May 17, 2016; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Suffolk County, Ralph Oswald believed in giving
back to the region he loved so much; he was a dedicated member of the
Hampton Bays Volunteer Ambulance Corps who made the ultimate sacrifice
on February 9, 2015, at the age of 64; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated public servant, Ralph Oswald worked full-time for
the ambulance company as the in-house Supervisor for the staff of paid
first responders who assist the volunteer EMTs and ambulance drivers;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to his paramedic duties, Ralph Oswald taught EMT
classes and held the position of Hampton Bay's Continuing Medical Educa-
tion officer, helping volunteers from across the South Fork and beyond
maintain their certification at monthly classes; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Oswald left a legacy which will long endure the passage
of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and
befriended; he is survived by his wife, Suzanne, his two sons, Cameron
and Ralph, Jr. and his step-son, Tim, all of whom felt privileged to be
a part of his life and rejoiced in his many achievements; and
WHEREAS, Both Cameron and Ralph, Jr. Oswald have followed in their
father's footsteps by becoming members of the Hampton Bays Volunteer
Ambulance Corps; Cameron was proudly taught by his father, and Ralph,
Jr. is currently enrolled in the EMT class; and
WHEREAS, An important part of the safety net of the healthcare system
in America, EMS volunteers provide lifesaving care to those in need, 24
hours a day, seven days a week; access to quality emergency care dramat-
ically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience
sudden illness or injury; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude to
those devoted individuals who recognize that the preservation of life is
a sacred responsibility and who make that responsibility their own by
serving as EMS volunteers; and
WHEREAS, In the performance of his duties, Ralph Oswald demonstrated
his character and his compassion for the welfare of others; he was a
tremendous asset to his EMS Unit and a distinguished citizen of the
State and Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ralph Oswald upon the occasion of being inducted into the New York
State EMS Memorial in Albany, New York, on May 17, 2016; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Ralph Oswald.