LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Eric Smith upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Star of Life Award by the American Ambu-
lance Association

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who give
outstanding service to the people of the Empire State and whose extraor-
dinary achievements save the lives of their fellow citizens should be
recognized because their efforts so profoundly strengthen our shared
commitment to family and community life; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Eric
Smith upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Star of
Life Award by the American Ambulance Association in Washington D.C.; and
WHEREAS, Eric Smith's commitment to service is outstanding; his deter-
mination and perseverance in the most challenging emergency situations
exemplifies the selfless spirit found in our Nation's first responders;
and
WHEREAS, A Rural/Metro Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Eric
Smith was nominated for this prestigious award based on his response in
two separate high-profile incidents that occurred in 2014; and
WHEREAS, The first incident occurred when Eric Smith and his partner
were traveling east on Route 33, when a vehicle suddenly crashed into
the sidewall barrier, landing on Route 33; the vehicle immediately
engulfed in flames with the driver trapped inside; and
WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Eric Smith rushed to the vehicle and in
an attempt to save the driver despite significant personal risk; and
WHEREAS, The second incident occurred during the transport of an eight
year-old boy who had gone into cardiac arrest; Eric Smith and his team
were driving the young boy when their ambulance was struck by a car
driving the wrong-way on a one-way street; and
WHEREAS, The impact of the accident caused the ambulance to roll onto
his passenger door side; Eric Smith was knocked unconscious and wedged
under the vehicle's dash; when he awoke, again, with no concern for his
own well-being, Eric began providing direction to his co-workers who
would care for the boy; and
WHEREAS, Eric Smith began in the field of emergency medical service
while serving in the United States Army from 2001 to 2009, achieving a
Combat Lifesaver designation; during this time, he also volunteered for
the City of Tonawanda Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, Eric Smith completed Basic EMT Training at the Erie
County Fire Training Academy; he began his illustrious career with
Rural/Metro that August, and then pursued additional certifications,
progressing to an intermediate EMT in 2013; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 2015, Eric Smith extended his certification
to advanced EMT, and is currently working toward his paramedic certif-
ication; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed man has demonstrated a strong work ethic and
character traits of an outstanding EMS provider; he is truly dedicated
to the EMS industry and high quality clinical care; and
WHEREAS, On many occasions, Eric Smith has acted with bravery and
steady precision in dealing with the risk and drama of emergency situ-
ations; and
WHEREAS, In the performance of his duties, Eric Smith has demonstrated
his character and his compassion for the welfare of others; he is a
tremendous asset to his EMS Unit and a distinguished citizen of the
State and Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Eric Smith upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Star of Life Award by the American Ambulance Association; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Eric Smith.