Assembly Resolution No. 1227

BY: M. of A. Barclay

HONORING Firefighter/Medic Sean O'Gorman in
recognition of his prompt and heroic actions saving
three girls from a rip current off the coast of
North Carolina

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the life and property of
another; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Firefighter/Medic Sean O'Gorman in recognition of his prompt and heroic
actions saving three girls from a rip current off the coast of North
Carolina; and

WHEREAS, On April 26, 2018, Sean O'Gorman, who serves as a
firefighter with the Oswego Fire Department, was vacationing with his
family on North Carolina's Emerald Isle and spending the day at the
beach; and

WHEREAS, While there, Sean O'Gorman spotted a pair of girls, who are
sisters, on boogie boards, struggling to swim ashore and calling for
help; and

WHEREAS, Upon hearing their cries for assistance, their older sister
rushed into the water to come to their aid, eventually becoming stuck
herself in the rip current; and

WHEREAS, Meanwhile, the mother of the girls called 911 and their
father prepared to enter the water and rescue them; however, once the
father started out toward them, Sean O'Gorman stopped him, and began to
swim out to the three girls; and

WHEREAS, The oldest of the three girls, who swam out to help, was
able to reach the shore on her own, while the other two held on to Sean
O'Gorman's feet and were pulled back to safety; and

WHEREAS, Shortly after the group was back on shore, local emergency
responders arrived, demonstrating how critical Sean O'Gorman's quick
action and thinking were to saving the lives of the young women; and

WHEREAS, A member of the Oswego Fire Department since 2000, Sean
O'Gorman recently completed a four-day swift water rescue course, which,
along with his previous training and experience, enabled him to
successfully complete the water rescue; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his heavy involved with fire department
activities, Sean O'Gorman is a past board member of the Oswego YMCA, a
member of the Oswego Elks, a board member and swim course director for
Tri-Oswego, a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and a Halloween

Happenings Organizer, as well as a participant in several youth
activities in Oswego; and

WHEREAS, Proud of his heroic actions are Sean O'Gorman's family, his
fellow firefighters at the City of Oswego Fire Department, and the
Oswego community; and

WHEREAS, Sean O'Gorman, in his spontaneous and heroic act, has so
aptly demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of
others, personifying, by virtue of his action, the collective concern of
ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily
respond without thought of danger or reward when others are in need of
help; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Firefighter/Medic Sean O'Gorman in recognition of his prompt and
heroic actions saving three girls from a rip current off the coast of
North Carolina, noting the significance of his immediate and
unconditional response to come to the aid of another in a
life-threatening situation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sean O'Gorman.