Ritchie to Present State Park Officers WITH Liberty Award for Saving Boater

State Senator Patty Ritchie will present two State Park Police Officers with the New York State Liberty Award Tuesday for their role in rescuing a man from the St. Lawrence River last summer.

In June, New York State Park Police Officers John Friot and Dustin Lottie  rescued a 70-year-old boater after he was overcome by carbon monoxide fumes while piloting a 28-foot cabin cruiser.

Senator Ritchie will present the officers with the Liberty Award at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15th at the Dobisky Visitor’s Center in Ogdensburg. 

The New York State Senate Liberty Award is one of the highest civilian honors that a New Yorker can receive. Similar to the national Congressional Gold Medal, the award is given to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.

Senator Ritchie has awarded only two other Liberty Awards when she recognized two Oswego County teens for their role in helping to save three people when their boat overturned on Sandy Pond last year.