Senate Resolution No. 5468

BY: Senator RITCHIE

COMMENDING Officer William Rafferty 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 Officer
William Rafferty 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, One day, a new mother was putting her six-week old
premature son into his car seat when he let out an odd cry, his eyes
rolled back, and he started to lose color; the mother called 911, and
Watertown, New York, Police Officer William Rafferty was the first to
arrive on the scene; and

WHEREAS, Officer William Rafferty quickly ran to the baby and
observed that he was not breathing; he immediately started to perform
CPR on the infant; shortly thereafter, the ambulance arrived and Officer
Rafferty jumped into it, continuing to administer CPR until the color on
the boy's face came back; and

WHEREAS, Due to Officer William Rafferty's lifesaving actions, the
baby will make a full recovery; to commemorate the dramatic event,
Officer Rafferty inscribed the date and the words "The day that changed
your life and mine" on the back of his watch; and

WHEREAS, Officer William Rafferty 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 William Rafferty 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 William
Rafferty 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 William Rafferty 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 William Rafferty.