LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Trooper Joseph C. Kolek upon the occa-
sion of his designation as the recipient of the Superintendent's Commen-
dation Award on May 7, 2014

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished
values, worthy of safeguarding; this Legislative Body is moved to honor
those who 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
Trooper Joseph C. Kolek upon the occasion of his designation as the
recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award in recognition of
his outstanding police work; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed man will be honored at the 38th Annual New York
State Police Superintendent's Commendation and Awards Day Ceremony, to
be held at the New York State Police Academy in Albany, New York, on
Wednesday, May 7, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Joseph C. Kolek has served residents of the State of New York
as a Trooper since January 7, 2002; and
WHEREAS, On January 19, 2013, Trooper Joseph C. Kolek responded to an
Orange County 911 emergency reporting juveniles who had fallen through
the ice in the Town of Wallkill; upon arrival he observed three young
people trapped on top of ice in the middle of the lake, unable to reach
safety; and
WHEREAS, Without hesitation or concern for his own safety, Trooper
Joseph C. Kolek bravely entered the frigid water and began breaking a
path through the ice to rescue the children; he cleared as much ice away
as possible until the water became too deep; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Joseph C. Kolek, with the help of other first respon-
ders, was able to throw a rope to the trapped young people, which they
then secured to themselves, and began moving towards rescue; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable law enforcement officer then picked up each
child when they came into reach and carried them out of the water to
safety; all of the children were transported to Orange Regional Medical
Center, and successfully treated for exposure; and
WHEREAS, Through his courageous and heroic deeds, Trooper Joseph C.
Kolek has demonstrated his character and concern for the welfare of
others, embodying the hallmarks of the men and women of the New York
State Police; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that Trooper Joseph
C. Kolek should be meritoriously commended for remaining calm under
pressure and for showing valor and true courage while performing a life-
saving deed; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Trooper Joseph C. Kolek upon the occasion of his designation as
the recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Trooper Joseph C. Kolek.