Senate Resolution No. 783

BY: Senator OBERACKER

COMMENDING New York State Trooper Daniel P.
Mazzarella upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award
on May 7, 2025

WHEREAS, Law enforcement officers from the State of New York put
their lives on the line every day for citizens of this great Empire
State; and

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values, worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to
honor those individuals who serve to preserve and protect such values,
lauding particularly their unwavering courage and dedication in the
daily performance of their duties; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
New York State Trooper Daniel P. Mazzarella upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award to
be celebrated at the New York State Police 49th Annual Superintendent's
Commendation and Awards Day Ceremony on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the
State Police Academy in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, This prestigious award was established to honor outstanding
individuals, dedicated to their service to law enforcement, whose
valiant efforts protect the people of New York State; and

WHEREAS, On May 12, 2024, Trooper Daniel P. Mazzarella, along with
Investigator Allyson Head and Trooper Mitchell Reed, responded to a
report of a suicidal man who had cut himself on the arm and voluntarily
entered the Unadilla River; and

WHEREAS, Upon arriving at the scene, Trooper Daniel P. Mazzarella
discovered that emergency services and fire personnel had already
attempted to remove the individual, but the man was uncooperative and
despondent; and

WHEREAS, With the assistance of Investigator Allyson Head and
Trooper Mitchell Reed, Trooper Daniel P. Mazzarella attempted to
verbally encourage the man to exit the water; and

WHEREAS, The attempts of the New York State Police were initially
unsuccessful, and it became clear that the man in the water was in an
altered mental state, disoriented, and unable to take reasonable
actions; and

WHEREAS, Filled with bravery, courage, and a strong sense of duty,
Trooper Daniel P. Mazzarella, along with Investigator Allyson Head and
Trooper Mitchell Reed, made the quick decision that a water rescue would
be necessary despite the dangerous conditions; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation and without regard for their personal
safety and comfort, Trooper Daniel P. Mazzarella, Investigator Allyson

Head, and Trooper Mitchell Reed entered the rapidly moving, nearly
freezing water and swam to the individual, successfully removing him
from the river and bringing him to safety; and

WHEREAS, While back on the shore, it was discovered that the man was
hypothermic and bleeding heavily from his self-inflicted wound, and he
was quickly treated by Emergency Medical Services before being brought
to the hospital for further treatment; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Daniel P. Mazzarella's quick thinking, fast
response, and selfless spirit prevented the man from causing further
injury to himself; without his noble actions, the scene on May 12, 2024,
could have been much more tragic; and

WHEREAS, The quick thinking, bravery, and exemplary performance of
duty of Trooper Daniel P. Mazzarella is in the highest traditions and
standards of the New York State Police and is worthy of both praise and
honor; 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
honor New York State Trooper Daniel P. Mazzarella upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Trooper Daniel P. Mazzarella.