LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending David Wilhelm in recognition of his
heroic action in rescuing eight passengers trapped in a van following a
motor vehicle accident on November 13, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring, concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, remaining calm
under pressure, in an effort to preserve the life of another; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend David
Wilhelm in recognition of his heroic action in rescuing eight passengers
trapped in a van following a motor vehicle accident on Thursday, Novem-
ber 13, 2014; and
WHEREAS, David Wilhelm, who holds the rank of staff sergeant in the
United States National Guard, was traveling on Route 209 in Napanoch,
New York, the morning of Thursday, November 13, 2014, when he witnessed
a horrible accident involving a van carrying seven men and women with
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The van, owned by Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County, was in
route from Ellenville, New York to a day facility in Lake Katrine, when
a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction swerved into the path of
the van, causing it to roll over; and
WHEREAS, Upon exiting his vehicle, David Wilhelm did a quick scan of
the accident scene and reassured the driver of the car that help was on
its way; without hesitation or concern for his own safety, he entered
the van through the back emergency door and began freeing the bus driv-
er, who was then able to assist him in bringing the other passengers to
safety; and
WHEREAS, Using his survival knife, David Wilhelm cautiously cut the
seat belts and wheelchair restraints so the passengers could be lowered
and carefully removed from the vehicle; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, after noticing one of the passengers was severe-
ly injured, David Wilhelm quickly wrapped his sweater around the
victim's head to stop the bleeding before being removed from the wreck;
and
WHEREAS, In 2012, 38 year old David Wilhelm spent nine months serving
as a platoon leader in the 108th Infantry Division in Afghanistan; in
addition to his IED training, he has been trained to deal with rollovers
and is well versed in first-aid procedures; and
WHEREAS, This extraordinary man should be meritoriously commended for
remaining calm under pressure and for showing valor and true courage
while performing a lifesaving deed; and
WHEREAS, Through his spontaneous and heroic actions, David Wilhelm
demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of citi-
zens across the community of New York State who voluntarily respond
without the thought of danger or reward when others are in need of help;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend David Wilhelm in recognition of his heroic action in rescuing
eight passengers trapped in a van following a motor vehicle accident on
November 13, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to David Wilhelm.