LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Niagara County Sheriff's Deputy Joe
Tortorella upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Medal of Valor

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant officers who exhibit courage and bravery every
day in the course of their duties; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom 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, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of another; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Niagara County Sheriff's Deputy Joe Tortorella upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Medal of Valor; this momentous occasion
was celebrated on Monday, May 16, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The Medal of Valor, the nation's highest honor for public
safety officers, is awarded annually by the President of the United
States to law enforcement officers and firefighters who have exhibited
exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to
save or protect human life; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Joe Tortorella, a 10-year veteran of the Niagara Coun-
ty Sheriff's Department, has been assigned to exclusively patrol the
Wheatfield area since 2009, and has displayed professionalism and dedi-
cation to duty throughout his illustrious career; and
WHEREAS, On Friday, April 15, 2016, Deputy Joe Tortorella responded to
a 911 call for assistance at a home on Errick Road; and
WHEREAS, As Deputy Joe Tortorella approached the house, the suspect,
who had already shot his parents, opened a door and then slammed it shut
before coming out of the house through another door into the driveway
and firing a handgun at the deputy, who returned fire while taking cover
behind a nearby tree; and
WHEREAS, One of the suspects' shots struck Deputy Joe Tortorella's
protective vest, which has since been credited with saving his life; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, 43-year-old Deputy Joe Tortorella's quick action
to radio in a request for the lockdown at nearby Errick Road Elementary
School demonstrated his ability to think clearly in a dangerous situ-
ation and protect innocent lives; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, and their three chil-
dren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Throughout an extraordinary career in law enforcement, Deputy
Joe Tortorella truly exemplifies courage, honor, bravery and selfless-
ness; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Deputy Joe Tortorella has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those dedicated
police officers who unselfishly devote their lives to the preservation
of order and the protection of others are worthy and due full praise for
their commitment and noble endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Joe Tortorella, through his spontaneous and heroic
actions, demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare
of others, personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective
concern of public servants across the community of the State of New York
who respond when others are in need; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Niagara County Sheriff's Deputy Joe Tortorella upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the Medal of Valor; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Niagara County Sheriff's Deputy Joe Tortorella.