Senate Resolution No. 4389

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Forest Ranger David Cornell 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
significant 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 Forest
Ranger David Cornell of the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation, Division of Forest Protection, 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, On the morning of Wednesday, June 15, 2016, Ranger David
Cornell responded to a 911 radio dispatch for a personal injury
motorcycle crash at the intersection of Teelin Road and Oswego Road in
the Town of Vienna; and

WHEREAS, The first on the scene, Ranger David Cornell found the
motorcycle operator had suffered a severe leg injury with a deep
laceration and major arterial bleeding; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Ranger David Cornell removed his issued
tourniquet and applied it the patient's injured leg to control the
bleeding; he then assisted arriving EMTs with further patient care and
the eventual transport to a helicopter airlift; and

WHEREAS, Ranger Cornell's quick medical response likely saved the
patient's life; his calm and collected demeanor, decision making and
actions were impeccable and the finest display of professionalism; and

WHEREAS, Ranger David Cornell should be regarded as a true hero; he
has continually devoted himself to public service, demonstrating great
courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the
citizens of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining his composure and his professional
conduct, Ranger David Cornell demonstrated his true character and
genuine compassion for the well-being of others; and

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Ranger David
Cornell is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the
preservation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due
full praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Forest Ranger David Cornell 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
transmitted to Forest Ranger David Cornell.