Senate Resolution No. 4861

BY: Senator CROCI

COMMENDING Officer Ryan Nash 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 commend Ryan Nash
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, A five-year veteran of the NYPD, Ryan Nash worked day tours
in the First Precinct in Lower Manhattan; on Tuesday, October 31, 2017,
he and his partner were responding to an unrelated call at Stuyvesant
High School when they were alerted by civilians about an apparent car
crash nearby; and

WHEREAS, A man had driven a pickup truck down a crowded bike path
along the Hudson River in Manhattan, killing eight people and injuring
12 more; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ryan Nash and his partner, along with two other
officers, quickly responded to the scene, and saw the suspect, who
appeared to be waving a gun and yelling at the scene of the accident and
observed the victims down on the scene; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ryan Nash immediately took action and fired his
service weapon nine times, shooting the suspect in the abdomen, bringing
the worst terrorist attack in New York City since 9/11 to an end; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Medford, Long Island, Officer Ryan Nash
serves as the epitome of a NYPD officer; each and every day, he strives
to enhance the quality of life in New York City by working in
partnership with the community to enforce the law, preserve peace,
reduce fear, and maintain order; and

WHEREAS, In addition to being recognized for his role on that deadly
Tuesday afternoon, Officer Ryan Nash was the recipient of both the

Excellent Police Duty and Meritorious Police Duty Awards from the NYPD;
and

WHEREAS, Officer Ryan Nash 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, Officer Ryan Nash 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; Officer Ryan
Nash 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
commend Officer Ryan Nash 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 Officer Ryan Nash.