Honor Fallen Local Hero

Senate Resolution No. 4862 BY: Senator BONACIC COMMENDING Robert J. Cordani posthumously 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 commend Robert J. Cordani posthumously 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, Robert "Bob" J. Cordani was born on December 17, 1955, to the late Arthur and Evelyn Aguda Cordani in the Bronx, New York; after moving to Wurtsboro, New York, he joined the Wurtsboro Fire Department; upon his retirement from the Department after many years of service, he was made an active honorary member; and WHEREAS, In addition to his role as a firefighter, Robert J. Cordani worked as a court officer for the Mamakating Town Court, and was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Ellenville Elks, Haven Hunting Club, Fraternal Order of Police, and the Mamakating First Aid Squad; and WHEREAS, For his entire life, Robert J. Cordani has donated his time and energy to helping others; on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at the age of

62, he made the ultimate sacrifice while coming to the aid of his neighbor; and WHEREAS, At approximately 6:00 p.m., Robert J. Cordani responded to a medical call for a neighbor suffering from cardiac arrest in Wurtsboro Hills; upon arrival, he immediately began to perform CPR on the victim; tragically, he collapsed from cardiac arrest of his own during the procedure; and WHEREAS, Robert J. Cordani is survived by his wife, Alma; one brother, Arthur (Adrienne) Cordani; one sister-in-law, Lynda Mona Cordani; two nephews, Chris (Beth) Cordani and Anthony (Kara) Cordani; one niece, Traci Lynn (David) Noviski; one great nephew, Daniel; one great niece, Juliana; his mother-in-law, Pilar Amante; and numerous friends, as well as a legion of fellow firefighters and first responders who will long treasure his memory; and WHEREAS, Robert J. Cordani should be regarded as a true hero; he 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; he 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; Robert J. Cordani was 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 commend Robert J. Cordani posthumously 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 the family of Robert J. Cordani.