Honor Trooper for Heroism

Senate Resolution No. 5010 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Trooper Thomas E. Miller 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 law enforcement officers, who take prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so, help others to avert life-threatening danger; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Trooper Thomas E. Miller 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 July 4, 2017, Trooper Thomas E. Miller and a fellow trooper received a call for a structure fire at a residence on Frances Street in the Village of Carthage; and WHEREAS, Upon arriving on the scene, Trooper Thomas E. Miller observed a multi-unit home fully engulfed in flames when he was approached by a male stating that his daughter and grandchildren were still inside a basement bedroom in the residence; and WHEREAS, Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Trooper Thomas E. Miller, along with a fireman, ran to the back of the home as the front door was fully engulfed in flames; and WHEREAS, Trooper Thomas E. Miller then broke a window at ground level and was able to make entry into the basement; once inside, he located a female subject and her five year-old child and immediately grabbed the child and handed her to the fireman; and WHEREAS, Trooper Thomas E. Miller then made his way up the stairs with the female subject, locating her husband as well as her eight year-old daughter who he wrapped in a blanket, picked her up and carried her outside to awaiting EMS personnel; and WHEREAS, As a result of Trooper Thomas E. Miller's selfless and heroic actions, multiple lives were saved; his calm approach and selfless actions in an emergency situation, are in keeping with the finest traditions of the New York State Police; 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; Trooper Thomas E. Miller 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 Trooper Thomas E. Miller 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 Trooper Thomas E. Miller.