Senate Resolution No. 5935

BY: Senator ORTT

COMMENDING Deputy Jon Vosburgh 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, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Deputy Jon
Vosburgh 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, The quick actions of Niagara County Sheriff's Deputy Jon
Vosburgh and several good Samaritans saved a four-year old girl from
drowning in Lake Ontario in Olcott, New York, on Thursday, October 11,
2018; and

WHEREAS, Sometime before 8 a.m., the girl, who is non-verbal and has
special needs, wandered from her Main Street home and ended up at Krull
Park, where she slipped through a fence around Olcott Beach; and

WHEREAS, Nearby park-goers tried to coax the girl away from the
water, but seemingly frightened, she instead went farther out; so they
called 911, reporting the girl was in the water and appeared at risk of
drowning; and

WHEREAS, By the time Deputy Jon Vosburgh arrived on the scene, the
girl was about 60 yards out and struggling to swim; with waves pushing
the girl farther from shore, and her head repeatedly vanishing under the
waves, Deputy Vosburgh dove into the 55-degree water; and

WHEREAS, After reaching the struggling girl, Deputy Jon Vosburgh
managed to bring her back safely to the shore within minutes; and

WHEREAS, The young girl coughed up large amounts of water, but was
conscious and breathing; after being treated by Olcott Volunteer Fire
Company EMTs, she was transported to Oishei Children's Hospital for
further evaluation; and

WHEREAS, Due to the spontaneous actions of eight-year member of the
Niagara County Sheriff's Department and United States Marine Corps
veteran, Deputy Jon Vosburgh, the young child survived her terrible
ordeal; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Jon Vosburgh should be regarded as a true hero; he
has continually devoted himself to public service, demonstrating great
courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the
citizens of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining his composure and his professional
conduct, Deputy Jon Vosburgh demonstrated his true character and genuine
compassion for the well-being of others; 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; Deputy Jon
Vosburgh 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
commend Deputy Jon Vosburgh 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 Deputy Jon Vosburgh.