Senate Resolution No. 216

BY: Senator BORRELLO

HONORING New York State University of Fredonia
Police Officer Ian Hodkin and Village of Fredonia
Police Officers Ben Kravitz and Michael Hodkin in
recognition of their prompt and heroic actions in
de-escalating a potentially deadly incident on
December 5, 2019

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values, worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to
honor those individuals who serve to preserve and protect such values,
lauding particularly their unwavering courage and dedication in the
daily performance of their duties; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of those exemplary police officers who
take prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing
so, help others to avert life-threatening danger; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
New York State University of Fredonia Police Officer Ian Hodkin and
Village of Fredonia Police Officers Ben Kravitz and Michael Hodkin in
recognition of their prompt and heroic actions in de-escalating a
potentially deadly incident on Thursday, December 5, 2019, in Fredonia,
New York; and

WHEREAS, On Thursday, December 5, 2019, Officers Ian Hodkin, Ben
Kravitz and Michael Hodkin responded to a late 911 call reporting a male
suspect holding a weapon in his hand near the University of Fredonia's
Temple Street entrance; and

WHEREAS, These extraordinary Officers exercised great restraint,
utilizing verbal de-escalation techniques while maintaining cover behind
their patrol vehicles and convincing the man to comply with their
commands to drop the weapon; the suspect was taken into custody without
injury to the officers or himself; and

WHEREAS, Upon his arrest, the officers learned the suspect, whom
they found to be holding a very realistic revolver-style pellet gun,
placed the 911 call to create the dangerous situation in hopes of
causing harm to himself; and

WHEREAS, For their diligence, bravery and professionalism, these
three courageous men will be recognized on Tuesday, January 19, 2021;
Officer Ian Hodkin will receive the New York State University Police
Professional Service Award from the statewide SUNY Chiefs of Police
Association; Officers Ben Kravitz and Michael Hodkin will receive the
Fredonia Police Department's Meritorious Service Award; and

WHEREAS, Officer Michael Hodkin is in his 16th year of service with
the Village Police Department and Officer Ben Kravitz is in his 11th
year of service; Officer Ian Hodkin has served at UPD-Fredonia for four
years; and


WHEREAS, Through their heroic actions, these three Officers
demonstrated their character and compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying the collective concern of public servants across the
community of the State of New York who respond when others are in need
of help; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
extraordinary individuals 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 New York State University of Fredonia Police Officer Ian Hodkin
and Village of Fredonia Police Officers Ben Kravitz and Michael Hodkin
on December 5, 2019, noting the significance of their selfless
contributions which are in keeping with the highest traditions of law
enforcement agencies throughout the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to New York State University of Fredonia Police Officer Ian
Hodkin and Village of Fredonia Police Officers Ben Kravitz and Michael
Hodkin.