Honor Heroic Police Officers

Senate Resolution No. 554 BY: Senator ORTT HONORING Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler upon the occasion of their designation as recipients 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 Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler upon the occasion of their designation as recipients 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 7, 2018, Lockport Police Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler responded to a reported house fire on Church Street; and WHEREAS, The first to arrive on the scene, Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler were informed by a neighbor that although one of the home's occupants was able to escape, a 72 year old woman was trapped in a first floor bedroom which was engulfed in flames; and WHEREAS, Without hesitation or regard for their own safety, Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler ran to the back of the home and were able to locate the woman after pulling an air conditioning unit from the window; and WHEREAS, Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler observed the woman lying in bed, disoriented from the thick smoke and intense heat; the officers managed to get her attention and called her over to the window, during which time they reached inside and pulled her to safety; and WHEREAS, Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler should be regarded as true heroes; they have continually devoted themselves 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 their composure and professional conduct, Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler demonstrated their 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; Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler are such individuals; 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 Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Lieutenant Matthew Hurtgam and Officer Matthew Vosler.