Senate Resolution No. 5021

BY: Senator BONACIC

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Trooper Adam J.
Ferstand upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award
by the New York State Police on May 30, 2018

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is 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
Trooper Adam J. Ferstand upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award by the New York
State Police to be celebrated at its 42nd Annual Superintendent's
Commendation and Awards Day Ceremony on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at the
State Police Academy in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Assigned to Troop F in Montgomery, New York, Trooper Adam
J. Ferstand has been a member of the New York State Police since
November 26, 2012; and

WHEREAS, On June 7, 2017, at approximately 12:30 pm, Trooper Adam J.
Ferstand received a report of a suspicious female walking on the span of
the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge; he immediately responded to the scene and
met with two other troopers; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Adam J. Ferstand and the two other officers
approached the female subject and questioned her as to her reason for
being out on the bridge; she stated she was merely walking, was not
suicidal, and gave no indication that she was intending to harm herself;
at the end of the interview, Trooper Ferstand and the other two officers
concluded there was no reason to detain the subject and advised her that
she could continue on her way; and

WHEREAS, However, Trooper Adam J. Ferstand continued to observe the
subject as she walked the bridge towards Beacon until she was
approximately 40 feet away, when she suddenly jumped on and climbed over
the six-foot high chain link fence separating the walkway from the river
below; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Adam J. Ferstand rushed to the fence and climbed
over to the woman and was able to grab hold of her as she let go of the
railing and attempted to jump into the river; the other two troopers
immediately jumped over the fence and together, the three men engaged in
a precarious struggle as the woman fiercely fought to jump; and

WHEREAS, Fortunately, Trooper Adam J. Ferstand and the other two
officers were successful in their efforts to restrain her, and she was
quickly secured and lifted back over the fence to safety; and

WHEREAS, Through his heroic actions, Trooper Adam J. Ferstand
demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of others,

personifying the collective concern of public servants across the
community of the State of New York who respond when others are in need
of help; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
extraordinary individuals 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 Trooper Adam J. Ferstand upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award by the New York
State Police; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Trooper Adam J. Ferstand.