Honor Louie Martorana Heroism

Senate Resolution No. 2350 BY: Senator ORTT HONORING Louie Martorana 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 incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the caring concern and heroic acts of those exemplary citizens, who take prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so, help others to avert life-threatening danger; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Louie Martorana 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 Sunday, November 13, 2016, at approximately 11:10 a.m., the Niagara County Sheriff's Office Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a vehicle that had struck a tree in front of a residence on Beach Ridge Road in the Town of Pendleton; the caller stated the vehicle was on fire with someone trapped inside and they were unable to get close to the vehicle due to the oppressive smoke and intense flames; and WHEREAS, Louie Martorana, along with a fellow neighbor and a police officer, rushed to the vehicle when they noticed a conscious male driver was stuck inside; together, they fended off the flames long enough to free the victim's legs and get him out of the car; immediately after pulling the male free, the fire spread very quickly engulfing the entire vehicle; and WHEREAS, Due to the selfless acts of Louie Martorana, the patient was transported to the hospital and made a full recovery; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Louie Martorana has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, Louie Martorana, through his spontaneous and heroic actions, demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of ordinary citizens across the community of the State of New York who voluntarily respond when others are in need of help; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Louie Martorana 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 Louie Martorana.