Senate Resolution No. 5918

BY: Senator YOUNG

HONORING Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer
Matthew Vosler upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients 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 Lieutenant
Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients 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 July 7, 2018, Lockport Police Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam
and Officer Matthew Vosler responded to a reported house fire on Church
Street; and

WHEREAS, The first to arrive on the scene, Lieutenant Matthew
Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler were informed by a neighbor that
although one of the home's occupants was able to escape, a 72 year old
woman was trapped in a first floor bedroom which was engulfed in flames;
and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation or regard for their own safety,
Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler ran to the back of
the home and were able to locate the woman after pulling an air
conditioning unit from the window; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler
observed the woman lying in bed, disoriented from the thick smoke and
intense heat; the officers managed to get her attention and called her
over to the window, during which time they reached inside and pulled her
to safety; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler
should be regarded as true heroes; they have continually devoted
themselves 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 their composure and professional
conduct, Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler
demonstrated their 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; Lieutenant
Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler are such individuals; 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 Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler.