Senator Sean Ryan Honors State Park Police Officer With Commendation Award

GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. – Today, Sept. 10, 2024, New York State Senator Sean Ryan presented a New York State Senate Commendation Award to New York State Park Police Officer Nathan Sibenik in recognition of his heroic intervention to prevent a woman from drowning in the Niagara River.

In July, while patrolling Niagara Falls State Park, Officer Sibenik was alerted by parkgoers that a woman had entered the river’s rapids and needed help. Without hesitation, Officer Sibenik jumped into the water and swam toward the woman. Drawing on his intensive emergency training as a member of the Park Police Swiftwater Rescue Team, he was able to reach the woman in time and bring her safely to shore. The woman was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment and care.

Senator Sean Ryan said, “I am honored to be able to present Officer Sibenik with a small token of our community’s appreciation for his service and for the bravery he showed saving that woman’s life. His heroic actions are a testament to the preparedness of the State Park Police and the incredible work that first responders do in our community each and every day.”