Senate Resolution No. 5010

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Trooper Thomas E. Miller 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 law enforcement
officers, who take prompt and appropriate action in emergency
situations, and in doing so, help others to avert life-threatening
danger; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Trooper Thomas E. Miller 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 July 4, 2017, Trooper Thomas E. Miller and a fellow
trooper received a call for a structure fire at a residence on Frances
Street in the Village of Carthage; and

WHEREAS, Upon arriving on the scene, Trooper Thomas E. Miller
observed a multi-unit home fully engulfed in flames when he was
approached by a male stating that his daughter and grandchildren were
still inside a basement bedroom in the residence; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Trooper
Thomas E. Miller, along with a fireman, ran to the back of the home as
the front door was fully engulfed in flames; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Thomas E. Miller then broke a window at ground
level and was able to make entry into the basement; once inside, he
located a female subject and her five year-old child and immediately
grabbed the child and handed her to the fireman; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Thomas E. Miller then made his way up the stairs
with the female subject, locating her husband as well as her eight
year-old daughter who he wrapped in a blanket, picked her up and carried
her outside to awaiting EMS personnel; and

WHEREAS, As a result of Trooper Thomas E. Miller's selfless and
heroic actions, multiple lives were saved; his calm approach and
selfless actions in an emergency situation, are in keeping with the
finest traditions of the New York State Police; and


WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Trooper Thomas
E. Miller is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated public servants 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; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Trooper Thomas E. Miller 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 Trooper Thomas E. Miller.