LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sergeant Martin Gonzalez upon the occa-
sion of his being awarded the New York State Medal of Valor

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of individuals who
devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Sergeant Martin Gonzalez upon the occasion of his being awarded the New
York State Medal of Valor; he received this prestigious distinction on
Sunday, November 17, 2013, at a ceremony at Camp Smith, the National
Guard training center in Cortlandt Manor, New York; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Medal of Valor is the highest decoration
awarded by the State of New York to a member of the State Organized
Militia (Army National Guard, Air National Guard, State Guard, and Naval
Militia); it is awarded for a conspicuous act of valor, heroism, cour-
age, or gallantry, in either a military or civilian capacity; and
WHEREAS, On October 5, 2011, Sergeant Martin Gonzalez was a Village of
Liberty Police Officer, as well as a member of the 727th Military Police
Law and Order Detachment in Kingston, New York; he and his partner
responded to an emergency call that a Mobil station under renovation in
the village had collapsed, trapping two construction workers inside the
structure; and
WHEREAS, Paying no thought to his own safety, this brave National
Guardsman rushed into the crumbled building and began to administer
medical treatment to the victims, drawing on his training as an Army
Combat Lifesaver, and remaining in the building even after emergency
medical personnel had arrived to provide further assistance; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Martin Gonzalez's quick thinking and heroic actions
saved the lives of two people; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Martin Gonzalez is currently enrolled in the Inac-
tive National Guard, on temporary non-duty status; he served for nine
years in the Army National Guard; and
WHEREAS, In civilian life, this remarkable man is a resident of Woodb-
ourne, New York; he works as a School Resource Officer at Benjamin Cosor
Elementary School in the Town of Fallsburg; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Sergeant Martin Gonzalez has
displayed throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Kristin, and his
daughter, Kara, both of whom feel privileged to be in his life, and
rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Sergeant Martin Gonzalez's distin-
guished record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sergeant Martin Gonzalez upon the occasion of his being awarded
the New York State Medal of Valor; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sergeant Martin Gonzalez.