Honor Forest Ranger Heroism

Senate Resolution No. 4389 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Forest Ranger David Cornell 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, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Forest Ranger David Cornell of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Forest Protection, 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 morning of Wednesday, June 15, 2016, Ranger David Cornell responded to a 911 radio dispatch for a personal injury motorcycle crash at the intersection of Teelin Road and Oswego Road in the Town of Vienna; and WHEREAS, The first on the scene, Ranger David Cornell found the motorcycle operator had suffered a severe leg injury with a deep laceration and major arterial bleeding; and WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Ranger David Cornell removed his issued tourniquet and applied it the patient's injured leg to control the bleeding; he then assisted arriving EMTs with further patient care and the eventual transport to a helicopter airlift; and WHEREAS, Ranger Cornell's quick medical response likely saved the patient's life; his calm and collected demeanor, decision making and actions were impeccable and the finest display of professionalism; and WHEREAS, Ranger David Cornell should be regarded as a true hero; he has continually devoted himself to public service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining his composure and his professional conduct, Ranger David Cornell demonstrated his true character and genuine compassion for the well-being of others; and WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication, command the respect and admiration of their community for their exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Ranger David Cornell is one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those dedicated public servants 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 Forest Ranger David Cornell 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 Forest Ranger David Cornell.