Senate Resolution No. 547

BY: Senator PALUMBO

COMMENDING Joe Hofmann 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 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
commend Joe Hofmann 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, On the afternoon of Sunday, March 14, 2021, Joe Hofmann was
leaving his home when he stopped at the corner to look for traffic;
instead, he saw smoke billowing out from a home down the road in
Glenwood Village, a quiet 55-and-over community in Riverhead, New York;
and

WHEREAS, Upon observing the smoke, Joe Hofmann made the split
decision to turn towards the blaze; when he pulled up to the residence,
a man outside asked if he could help him get his bedridden father out of
the house; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Joe
Hofmann jumped out of his truck and ran to the side of the house which
was engulfed in flames, helping the son get his father out of bed and
safely out of the home; at that point, firefighters were arriving on the
scene; and

WHEREAS, A truly brave and courageous man, United States Navy
Veteran Joe Hofmann played a vital role in this extraordinary rescue
effort, and should be praised by the people of this great Empire State
for his astute actions in attempting to preserve the life of another;
and

WHEREAS, Joe Hofmann, 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
commend Joe Hofmann 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 Joe Hofmann.