LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sergeant Joseph Merville upon the occa-
sion of receiving a medal for his extraordinary service from the New
York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished values
that are worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is hereby
moved to honor those exemplary public servants who devote their lives to
preserving and protecting such values; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor and
recognize Sergeant Joseph Merville of Auburn, New York, upon the occa-
sion of receiving a medal for his extraordinary service from the New
York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision; an award
ceremony will be held on June 8, 2016, in Albany; and
WHEREAS, On October 31, 2015, Sergeant Joseph Merville was conducting
his regular duties at the Auburn Correctional Facility, when he was
confronted with a dangerous situation; and
WHEREAS, An electrical malfunction had caused an explosion inside an
electrical vault and the Auburn Correctional Facility suddenly lost
power; and
WHEREAS, Upon investigating the power loss of the underground elec-
trical vault, Sergeant Joseph Merville observed smoke billowing from a
dislodged 300-pound manhole cover of the vault and heard an explosion;
and
WHEREAS, As Sergeant Joseph Merville approached the vault, he saw
flames and smoke so he immediately grabbed a dry chemical fire extin-
guisher and was able to extinguish the electrical fire; and
WHEREAS, The quick thinking and decisive actions of Sergeant Joseph
Merville not only saved New York State potentially thousands of dollars
in damage and repair costs, but allowed the Auburn Correctional Facility
to maintain its security; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with the finest traditions of the New York State
Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Sergeant Joseph
Merville has distinguished himself by his dedication and his exemplary
service to protect the citizens of the Central New York community; and
WHEREAS, The courageous and dedicated efforts of public servants, such
as Sergeant Joseph Merville, who devote themselves to protecting the
lives of others, are worthy of the praise and recognition of this Legis-
lative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and recognize Sergeant Joseph Merville upon the occasion of
receiving a medal for his extraordinary service from the New York State
Department of Corrections and Community Supervision; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sergeant Joseph Merville.