Senate Resolution No. 806

BY: Senator GALLIVAN

COMMENDING Lieutenant Gregory R. Jankowiak 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 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Lieutenant Gregory R. Jankowiak, 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, On the evening of Thursday, July 25, 2024, New York State
Police Lieutenant Gregory R. Jankowiak, of East Aurora, was off duty and
driving his personal vehicle in the Town of Alden when he encountered a
downed bicyclist; the victim was unconscious and lying in the southbound
lane; and

WHEREAS, Assessing the severity of the situation, Lieutenant Gregory
R. Jankowiak utilized his vehicle to block traffic in the southbound
lane and approached the victim to determine the man's condition; and

WHEREAS, The victim had no pulse; therefore, Lieutenant Gregory R.
Jankowiak commenced CPR; he immediately contacted 9-1-1 and continued
chest compressions while relaying vital information through the speaker
feature of his cellphone; and

WHEREAS, While continuing to render aid, Lieutenant Gregory R.
Jankowiak also directed motorists to use their vehicles as a barricade
of northbound traffic until emergency personnel from the Marilla Fire
Department (MFD) arrived several minutes later; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Gregory R. Jankowiak informed the MFD responders
of the care he provided to the victim and assisted them with the
attachment of the automated external defibrillator (AED) to the patient;
regaining his pulse and consciousness, the man was transported to South
Buffalo Mercy Hospital for further care; and

WHEREAS, Approximately one week after the incident, the victim
required open-heart surgery to repair a 90% blockage; prior to the
surgery, the man expressed his sincere appreciation to Lieutenant
Gregory R. Jankowiak for saving his life; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Gregory R. Jankowiak received a Letter of
Commendation for his courage, calm demeanor, exemplary dedication, and
unwavering commitment to public service; he was further commended for
his exceptional diligence, resolve, and composure under pressure; this
heroic Officer of Troop A of the New York State Police in Clarence
exemplifies the highest traditions of the Department; and

WHEREAS, The courage, compassion, and selflessness of Lieutenant
Gregory R. Jankowiak and those individuals who don uniforms and perform
their civic duties without consideration for themselves should be
recognized by all residents of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, A truly courageous man, Lieutenant Gregory R. Jankowiak
played a vital role in this extraordinary rescue effort and should be
praised by the people of this great Empire State for his astute actions
in attempting to preserve the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, In his spontaneous and heroic act, Lieutenant Gregory R.
Jankowiak has so aptly demonstrated his character and compassion for
others, personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern
of ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who
voluntarily respond without thought of danger or reward when fellow
constituents are in need of aid; 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 Lieutenant Gregory R. Jankowiak, 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 Lieutenant Gregory R. Jankowiak.