Honor Hero Deputy Vosburgh

Senate Resolution No. 550 BY: Senator ORTT COMMENDING Deputy Jon Vosburgh 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 Deputy Jon Vosburgh 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, The quick actions of Niagara County Sheriff's Deputy Jon Vosburgh and several good Samaritans saved a four-year old girl from drowning in Lake Ontario in Olcott, New York, on Thursday, October 11,

2018; and WHEREAS, Sometime before 8 a.m., the girl, who is non-verbal and has special needs, wandered from her Main Street home and ended up at Krull Park, where she slipped through a fence around Olcott Beach; and WHEREAS, Nearby park-goers tried to coax the girl away from the water, but seemingly frightened, she instead went farther out; so they called 911, reporting the girl was in the water and appeared at risk of drowning; and WHEREAS, By the time Deputy Jon Vosburgh arrived on the scene, the girl was about 60 yards out and struggling to swim; with waves pushing the girl farther from shore, and her head repeatedly vanishing under the waves, Deputy Vosburgh dove into the 55-degree water; and WHEREAS, After reaching the struggling girl, Deputy Jon Vosburgh managed to bring her back safely to the shore within minutes; and WHEREAS, The young girl coughed up large amounts of water, but was conscious and breathing; after being treated by Olcott Volunteer Fire Company EMTs, she was transported to Oishei Children's Hospital for further evaluation; and WHEREAS, Due to the spontaneous actions of eight-year member of the Niagara County Sheriff's Department and United States Marine Corps veteran, Deputy Jon Vosburgh, the young child survived her terrible ordeal; and WHEREAS, Deputy Jon Vosburgh 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, Deputy Jon Vosburgh 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; Deputy Jon Vosburgh 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 commend Deputy Jon Vosburgh 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 Deputy Jon Vosburgh.