LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION Honoring P.J. Male for his heroic actions

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in acknowledging its
esteemed residents who have distinguished themselves in their profession
and in their communities; and
WHEREAS, P.J. Male, an employee of the Peekskill Parks and Recreation
Department, rescued a young girl on Depew Lake; and
WHEREAS, On the afternoon of April 1, 2015, a Parks and Recreation
Supervisor ran into the office and asked P.J. to call 9-1-1; and
WHEREAS, P.J. Male looked out at Depew Lake and saw a nine-year-old
girl screaming for help and hanging onto a small piece of ice; her small
dog was running around nearby; and
WHEREAS, It was later learned that the girl's dog had broken loose
during a walk and wandered onto the dangerous lake; and
WHEREAS, Acting on instinct and afraid the girl could not swim, or
would not be able to break the ice if she went under, P.J. immediately
ran out to help her; and
WHEREAS, P.J., unconcerned with his own heart trouble and diabetes,
trudged through the murky, 33-degree water and swam 25-30 yards to the
girl; and
WHEREAS, He put the girl and her dog on his back and swam them back to
safety; and
WHEREAS, The young girl and P.J. were both transported to New York
Presbyterian-Hudson Valley Hospital; the girl was released in two hours,
and P.J. was released in four hours; and
WHEREAS, P.J. Male is a 12-year veteran employee for the City of
Peekskill; and
WHEREAS, He resides in Putnam Valley where he umpires men's softball
games; he is a former Junior Varsity football coach at Walter Panas High
School; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor P.J. Male upon his heroic efforts in saving a young girl's life;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to P.J. Male.