Senate Resolution No. 5920

BY: Senator YOUNG

COMMENDING Chief Charles Piazza and Deputy Stephen
Madonia 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 commend Chief
Charles Piazza and Deputy Stephen Madonia upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of the 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, In the early morning hours of Saturday, May 12, 2018, Chief
Charles Piazza of the Falconer Fire Department and Deputy Stephen
Madonia of the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office were the first to
arrive at a structure fire in the town of Ellicott, New York; and

WHEREAS, Upon their arrival, Chief Charles Piazza and Deputy Stephen
Madonia realized there was a woman trapped inside the burning building;
without regards to their own safety, the first responders forcibly
opened the door and quickly found the terrified woman; and

WHEREAS, Within seconds of the house being fully engulfed by fire,
Chief Charles Piazza and Deputy Stephen Madonia helped the woman and her
three dogs to safety outside the home; and

WHEREAS, Due to the swift and courageous efforts of both Chief
Charles Piazza and Deputy Stephen Madonia, the woman and her beloved
pets were saved from the raging fire; and

WHEREAS, Chief Charles Piazza and Deputy Stephen Madonia 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 their community and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining their composure and their
professional conduct, Chief Charles Piazza and Deputy Stephen Madonia

demonstrated their true character and genuine compassion for the welfare
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; Chief Charles
Piazza and Deputy Stephen Madonia are two 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
commend Chief Charles Piazza and Deputy Stephen Madonia 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 Chief Charles Piazza and Deputy Stephen Madonia.