Senate Resolution No. 1418

BY: Senator MURRAY

COMMENDING Officer Kevin Farina 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 the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished officers and citizens who would devote
themselves to public service, demonstrating great courage and diligence
in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their
communities and this great Empire State; 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; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Officer
Kevin Farina 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, During the early morning hours of Saturday, June 24, 2023,
off-duty Suffolk County Police Officer Kevin Farina was driving on
County Road 83 South in Farmingdale, New York, in route to work at
Suffolk County's 6th precinct when he spotted an overturned vehicle
which had struck a guardrail and flipped over before catching fire; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation or concern for his own safety, Officer
Kevin Farina, who was joined by the two unidentified good Samaritans,
immediately rushed to the vehicle to assist the couple who were trapped
inside; and

WHEREAS, Due to the swift response time of Officer Kevin Farina, the
couple, who are from Medford, New York, survived the wreckage uninjured;
and

WHEREAS, Officer Kevin Farina grew up on eastern Long Island, and
comes from a family of law enforcement officers; he began his
illustrious career in December of 2021 with the MTA Police Department,
before joining the Suffolk County Police Department on September 12,
2022; he is also a Patrol Rifle Officer; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Officer Kevin Farina richly
merits the admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his
consummate, swift action in saving the life of this local couple; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, Officer Kevin Farina should be meritoriously
commended for remaining calm under pressure and for showing valor and
true courage while performing a lifesaving deed; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 Officer Kevin Farina 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 Officer Kevin Farina.