Assembly Resolution No. 979

BY: M. of A. Magee

HONORING Forest Ranger Robert Piersma upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Raymond Murray Award by the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation, Division
of Forest Protection

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to
honor those exemplary public servants who devote their lives to
preserving and protecting such values; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Forest
Ranger Robert Piersma upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Raymond Murray Award by the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation, Division of Forest Protection, to be
celebrated at its Forest Ranger Awards Ceremony on Thursday, March 29,
2018, at the Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The highest fulfillment of the position of New York State
Forest Ranger, the Raymond Murray Award is presented to sworn members
who, by a conspicuous act of valor, courage, integrity, resourcefulness
and bravery in the protection of our natural resources and/or the safety
of public, clearly set them apart from other persons; and

WHEREAS, On the afternoon of April 10, 2017, Ranger Robert Piersma
was notified by a fellow Ranger of several people who capsized their
canoe in Chittning Pond on Tassel Hill in Woodford Memorial State
Forest; and

WHEREAS, Ranger Robert Piersma arrived on the scene to find two
individuals still submerged in Chittning Pond, which had just recently
opened up from the winter ice, making water temperatures barely above
freezing; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Ranger
Robert Piersma grabbed his throw-bag and waded out into the lake until
the water was nearly chest deep; however, he still could not reach the
victims; and

WHEREAS, Ranger Robert Piersma then exited the water and ran back to
his patrol vehicle; he quickly donned his cold-water rescue suit,
returned to the lake and swam out to the unresponsive subjects who had
their arms tightly interlocked; and

WHEREAS, A true hero, Ranger Robert Piersma grabbed one of the
victims' life jackets and swam, pulling both subjects together at once
against a stiff headwind; arriving volunteer firefighter rescue
personnel assisted this brave Ranger in getting the subjects to shore
and ultimately saving their lives; and

WHEREAS, So aptly demonstrating his character and compassion for the
welfare of others, Ranger Robert Piersma truly merits the grateful
tribute of this Legislative Body; and


WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that we should
give special recognition to those who work so assiduously for the
betterment of their communities, and acknowledge publicly the heroic
actions performed by the Forest Rangers of this great Empire State; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Forest Ranger Robert Piersma upon the occasion of his designation
as recipient of the Raymond Murray Award by the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Forest Protection;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Forest Ranger Robert Piersma.