Senate Resolution No. 5941

BY: Senator BENJAMIN

COMMENDING Joseph Seminara 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 Joseph
Seminara, Commander, 23rd Precinct, New York Police Department, 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, At approximately 9:15 p.m. on November 29, 2018, Joseph
Seminara was off-duty and on his way home after a 14-hour shift in East
Harlem when he came upon a multiple-car crash scene on the westbound
side of the Belt Parkway near Canarsie, Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, Two vehicles were facing the wrong way, and both had
sustained heavy front-end damage and were on fire; the driver of one of
the vehicles was trapped behind the wheel of her burning and mangled
SUV; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Seminara immediately leapt into action speaking
reassuringly to the woman and, along with a good Samaritan, pulled her
out of the burning vehicle; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Seminara 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, Joseph Seminara 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; Joseph Seminara
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
honor Joseph Seminara 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 Joseph Seminara.