Senate Resolution No. 609

BY: Senator GALLIVAN

COMMENDING the Erie County Federation of Snow
Mobile Clubs for their heroic efforts to rescue
stranded people during the Western New York Blizzard
of 2022

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of another; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Erie County Federation of Snow Mobile Clubs for their heroic
efforts to rescue stranded people during the Western New York Blizzard
of 2022; and

WHEREAS, From December 21-26, 2022, a historic extratropical cyclone
created winter storm conditions, including blizzards, high winds,
snowfall, or record cold temperatures across the majority of the United
States and parts of Canada; Buffalo, New York, and the surrounding areas
experienced almost two full days of blizzard/zero-visibility conditions
on the 23rd and 24th; and

WHEREAS, During this catastrophic blizzard which buried Buffalo and
the Western New York Region in nearly 52 inches of snow, countless
numbers of people were left stuck on snow-filled roadways as emergency
personnel were unable to push through extremely dangerous whiteout
conditions; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Erie County Federation of Snow Mobile Clubs
were out around-the-clock during the blizzard, working to rescue people
and get essential workers to their jobs; and

WHEREAS, From Friday evening through Saturday afternoon, members of
the various clubs used heavy-duty equipment designed to shape trails for
snowmobiles to rescue 41 people from Main Street in Clarence, New York,
including state troopers, ambulance workers, and a firefighter; they
also worked with the Newstead Fire Company, New York State Police and
the Newstead and Akron Highway Departments to pick up drivers and get
them to plow trucks; and

WHEREAS, On Christmas Day, these dedicated members gave up time with
their families to bring nurses from the Clarence/Amherst area to Buffalo
General Hospital, an Emergency Room doctor to Sister's Hospital, and a
Buffalo Police Department Officer to his police station; and

WHEREAS, Some of the clubs who gave up time with their families
during the holiday season to take care of their neighbors include the
Pioneers Sno-Surfers Sardinia Snowmobile Club, WNY Snowmobile Club of
Eden Trail Blazers, WNY Snowmobile Club of Boston, and the Northern Erie
Sno-Seekers Snowmobile Club; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as heroes, the members of the Erie County
Federation of Snow Mobile Clubs richly merit the admiration of this
Legislative Body and their community for their consummate, swift actions
in saving the lives of numerous people; moreover, they should be
meritoriously commended for remaining calm under pressure and for
showing valor and true courage while performing these lifesaving deeds;
and

WHEREAS, The members of the Erie County Federation of Snow Mobile
Clubs have so aptly demonstrated their character and compassion for the
welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of their actions, the
collective concern of ordinary citizens across the community of New York
State who voluntarily respond without thought of danger or reward when
others are in need of help; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Erie County Federation of Snow Mobile Clubs for their heroic
efforts to rescue stranded people during the Western New York Blizzard
of 2022; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Erie County Federation of Snow Mobile
Clubs, and to President David Waples and Treasurer Richard McNamara.