Senate Resolution No. 2350

BY: Senator ORTT

HONORING Louie Martorana upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of those exemplary citizens, who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so,
help others to avert life-threatening danger; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Louie
Martorana upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty
Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, On Sunday, November 13, 2016, at approximately 11:10 a.m.,
the Niagara County Sheriff's Office Communications Center received a 911
call regarding a vehicle that had struck a tree in front of a residence
on Beach Ridge Road in the Town of Pendleton; the caller stated the
vehicle was on fire with someone trapped inside and they were unable to
get close to the vehicle due to the oppressive smoke and intense flames;
and

WHEREAS, Louie Martorana, along with a fellow neighbor and a police
officer, rushed to the vehicle when they noticed a conscious male driver
was stuck inside; together, they fended off the flames long enough to
free the victim's legs and get him out of the car; immediately after
pulling the male free, the fire spread very quickly engulfing the entire
vehicle; and

WHEREAS, Due to the selfless acts of Louie Martorana, the patient
was transported to the hospital and made a full recovery; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Louie Martorana has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Louie Martorana, 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 ordinary citizens across the community of the State of New
York who voluntarily respond when others are in need of help; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Louie Martorana upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Louie Martorana.