Senate Resolution No. 9

BY: Senator SEWARD

COMMENDING John D. Heller posthumously 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 the sense 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
commend John D. Heller posthumously 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, John D. Heller was born September 22, 1980, in Oneonta, New
York, the son of John R. and Gayle (Eggler) Heller; and

WHEREAS, A member of Oneonta High School, Class of 2000, John D.
Heller furthered his education by attending Herkimer Community College;
and

WHEREAS, An area native and former part-time firefighter with the
Oneonta Fire Department, John D. Heller was a Life Skills Supervisor at
Oneonta Job Corps Academy; he was well-loved and respected by both his
co-workers and students; and

WHEREAS, Responding without hesitation, John D. Heller made the
ultimate sacrifice Saturday, December 29, 2018, after safely evacuating
his fiancee and four nephews from a residential structure fire in the
City of Oneonta; and

WHEREAS, John D. Heller in his spontaneous and heroic act, has so
aptly demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of
others; personifying, by virtue of his action, the collective concern of
ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily
respond without thought of danger or reward when loved ones are in need
of help; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Abbie Heller and
John O. Heller; maternal grandfather, George L. Eggler; and
father-in-law, Herb Roe, John D. Heller is survived by his fiancee and
soulmate, Amber Roe; his parents, John and Gayle Heller; brother and
sister-in-law, Michael and Erika Heller; four nephews, Donovan, Maddox,
Macall and Rawley Heller; maternal grandmother, Phyllis Eggler; aunts
and uncles, George A. Eggler and Evando Macario, Sharon and Clifford
Costello, Gary Heller and Christine Eldred and Larry and Sally Heller;

and mother-in-law, Cyndy Doroski; as well as several cousins; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend John D. Heller posthumously 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 the family of John D. Heller.