Senate Resolution No. 4425

BY: Senator MURPHY

HONORING Christopher Vega upon the occasion of
being awarded the Medal for Valor, New York State's
highest military honor

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in acknowledging
its esteemed citizens who have distinguished themselves in their
community; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Vega was honored with the Medal for Valor, New
York State's highest military honor, on March 14, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Vega served his country with honor in the
United States Marine Corps from 2000 until 2003 and has been a member of
the New York Naval Militia since 2016; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Vega is currently a patrol boat coxswain in the
Militia's Emergency Boat Service, serving active duty as the coxswain
patrolling the Hudson River off of the Indian Point Power Center; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Vega is also a member of the New York Police
Department and is assigned to the World Trade Center Command - Counter
Terrorism Bureau; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Vega was on State Active Duty during the "Bomb
Cyclone" snowstorm on January 4, 2018, when he was first on the scene of
a horrific traffic accident; and

WHEREAS, The accident victim was driving a truck and slid off the
icy road, crashing into a wall and a utility pole; the utility pole
crashed through the windshield and cab of the truck, nearly completely
severing the victim's leg and pinning him to the cab; and

WHEREAS, Despite the danger of potentially live wires around the
cab, Christopher Vega pulled the metal cab open, cutting his own hands,
and safely removed the victim from the wreckage; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Vega then applied a tourniquet to the upper leg
of the victim and held on to him, talking to him about his family to
comfort him, while waiting for emergency services to arrive; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Vega demonstrated the true spirit of the
prestigious Medal for Valor though his disregard for his own safety,
extraordinary gallantry, courage, and valor under blizzard conditions;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Christopher Vega upon the occasion of being awarded the Medal for
Valor, New York State's highest military honor; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Christopher Vega.