Senate Resolution No. 2288

BY: Senator PALUMBO

HONORING the Port Jefferson Grand Republic Ferry's
captain and crew upon the occasion of receiving the
Coast Guard's Public Service Commendation Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 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
the Port Jefferson Grand Republic Ferry's captain and crew upon the
occasion of receiving the Coast Guard's Public Service Commendation
Award; and

WHEREAS, On Tuesday, January 18, 2022, an 18-month old girl from
Stony Brook, New York, was traveling with her family back to Port
Jefferson from Bridgeport on the Grand Republic Ferry when she fell from
her parent's car and onto the deck; and

WHEREAS, During this time, the victims grandfather swiftly carried
the toddler, who was lifeless, blue, unresponsive and not breathing, up
the stairs to seek help; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation, the ship's crew immediately began
rendering life-saving care to the child before making the decision to
turn the ferry around all while coordinating EMTs to meet them on the
scene upon their arrival back in Bridgeport; and

WHEREAS, Thanks to the courageous actions of the Ferry's captain and
crew, the little girl regained breathing, consciousness and color;
today, she is home playing, talking and singing, having made a full
recovery; and

WHEREAS, For their diligence, bravery and professionalism, these 12
noble men played a vital role in this extraordinary rescue effort, and
should be praised by the people of this great Empire State for their
astute actions in preserving the life of another; and

WHEREAS, In their spontaneous and heroic acts, the captain and crew
of the Grand Republic Ferry have so aptly demonstrated their character
and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of
their actions, 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 the Port Jefferson Grand Republic Ferry's captain and crew upon
the occasion of receiving the Coast Guard's Public Service Commendation
Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Captain, Mark Soderstrom; Mate, Jeff Wisniski; Able

Seaman, Robert Decaminada; Able Seaman, Paul Dematteo; Able Seaman,
David Hamill; Able Seaman, Jake Rosenfeld; Ordinary Seaman, Pat Dugre;
Ordinary Seaman, Bill Schlotterhausen; Concessionaire, Ray Bratisax;
Bartender, Ken Page; Chief Engineer, Rudy Houdek; and Assistant
Engineer, Paul Cavanaugh.