LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring New York State Police Trooper Thomas A.
Gallery upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient of the
Superintendent's Commendation Award

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 New
York State Police Trooper Thomas A. Gallery upon the occasion of his
designation as a recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award to
be celebrated at the 40th Annual Superintendent's Commendation Award Day
Ceremony on May 26, 2016, at the University at Albany Performing Arts
Center; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Thomas A. Gallery, who is assigned to SP Hastings,
Troop D, has been selected for this prestigious award for his successful
efforts in preventing a suspect from taking his own life and/or possibly
causing injury of others; and
WHEREAS, On January 7, 2015, Trooper Thomas A. Gallery, a resident of
East Syracuse, responded to a call to assist State Police Investigator
Charlotte Yerdon with the arrest of a subject for Rape and Criminal
Sexual Act in the Third Degree; and
WHEREAS, When Trooper Thomas A. Gallery and the investigator were
speaking with the subject near the doorway of the home, the individual
bolted back into his residence and began to stab himself in the neck
with a large kitchen knife; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Thomas A. Gallery acted quickly, tackling and disabl-
ing the subject, so he could not continue to stab himself or attack
others around him; and
WHEREAS, In the process of the struggle, Trooper Thomas A. Gallery
suffered some lacerations to his left hand, but would recover; Trooper
Gallery was then able to successfully place the subject into custody;
and
WHEREAS, Trooper Thomas A. Gallery's selfless actions helped to
prevent the subject from taking his own life, and from possibly hurting
him or Investigator Yerdon; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with the finest traditions of the New York State
Police Department, Trooper Thomas A. Gallery 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 Trooper Thomas A. Gallery, who have devoted their lives to protecting
the lives of others, are worthy of the praise and recognition of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Trooper Thomas A. Gallery upon the occasion of his designation as
the recipient of the 2016 Superintendent's Commendation Award; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to New York State Police Trooper Thomas A. Gallery.