J 1319: Commending Suffolk County Police Department's Sergeant Michael Santillo, Officer James Rizzo, and Officer Andrew Tirelli for their heroic bravery

 Senate Resolution No. 1319 BY: Senator MURRAY COMMENDING Suffolk County Police Department's Sergeant Michael Santillo, Officer James Rizzo, and Officer Andrew Tirelli for their heroic bravery WHEREAS, Law enforcement officers from the State of New York put their lives on the line every day for the citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished values, worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is moved to honor those individuals who serve to preserve and protect such values, lauding particularly their unwavering courage and dedication in the daily performance of their duties; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Suffolk County Police Department's Sergeant Michael Santillo, Officer James Rizzo, and Officer Andrew Tirelli for their heroic bravery on Thursday, December 25, 2025; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those distinguished officers who would devote themselves to public service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, In the early afternoon on Christmas Day, Sergeant Michael Santillo, Officer James Rizzo, and Officer Andrew Tirelli immediately responded to the dispatched call from Suffolk County 9-1-1, regarding an eight-year-old boy who had fallen through the ice on a pond; and WHEREAS, While playing on the ice at his East Patchogue apartment complex, the young victim fell through the ice into chest-deep water and was unable to free himself; a nearby resident noticed the boy in the water and called 9-1-1; and WHEREAS, Fifth Precinct Officers James Rizzo and Andrew Tirelli entered the pond and attempted to throw a life ring to the child while Highway Sergeant Michael Santillo crossed the ice to reach the child and pull him from the water; and WHEREAS, Because of the immediate response and heroic actions from these dedicated public servants, tragedy was averted; the child was treated at the NYU Langone Hospital-Suffolk in Patchogue; 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 the community for their exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Sergeant Michael Santillo, Officer James Rizzo, and Officer Andrew Tirelli should be embraced with admiration and respect by a grateful citizenry; and WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 Suffolk County Police Department's Sergeant Michael Santillo, Officer James Rizzo, and Officer Andrew Tirelli for their heroic bravery; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Sergeant Michael Santillo, Officer James Rizzo, and Officer Andrew Tirelli.