J 785: Commending New York State Trooper Mitchell B. Reed upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award on May 7, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 785 BY: Senator OBERACKER COMMENDING New York State Trooper Mitchell B. Reed upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award on May 7, 2025 WHEREAS, Law enforcement officers from the State of New York put their lives on the line every day for 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 honor New York State Trooper Mitchell B. Reed upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award to be celebrated at the New York State Police 49th Annual Superintendent's Commendation and Awards Day Ceremony on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the State Police Academy in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, This prestigious award was established to honor outstanding individuals, dedicated to their service to law enforcement, whose valiant efforts protect the people of New York State; and WHEREAS, On May 12, 2024, Trooper Mitchell B. Reed, along with Investigator Allyson Head and Trooper Daniel Mazzarella, responded to a report of a suicidal man who had cut himself on the arm and voluntarily entered the Unadilla River; and WHEREAS, Upon arriving at the scene, Trooper Mitchell B. Reed discovered that emergency services and fire personnel had already attempted to remove the individual, but the man was uncooperative and despondent; and WHEREAS, With the assistance of Investigator Allyson Head and Trooper David Mazzarella, Trooper Mitchell B. Reed attempted to verbally encourage the man to exit the water; and WHEREAS, The attempts of the New York State Police were initially unsuccessful, and it became clear that the man in the water was in an altered mental state, disoriented, and unable to take reasonable actions; and WHEREAS, Filled with bravery, courage, and a strong sense of duty, Trooper Mitchell B. Reed, along with Investigator Allyson Head and Trooper David Mazzarella, made the quick decision that a water rescue would be necessary despite the dangerous conditions; and WHEREAS, Without hesitation and without regard for their personal safety and comfort, Trooper Mitchell B. Reed, Investigator Allyson Head, and Trooper Daniel Mazzarella entered the rapidly moving, nearly freezing water and swam to the individual, successfully removing him from the river and bringing him to safety; and WHEREAS, While back on the shore, it was discovered that the man was hypothermic and bleeding heavily from his self-inflicted wound, and he was quickly treated by Emergency Medical Services before being brought to the hospital for further treatment; and WHEREAS, Trooper Mitchell B. Reed's quick thinking, fast response, and selfless spirit prevented the man from causing further injury to himself; without his noble actions, the scene on May 12, 2024, could have been much more tragic; and WHEREAS, The quick thinking, bravery, and exemplary performance of duty of Trooper Mitchell B. Reed is in the highest traditions and standards of the New York State Police and is worthy of both praise and honor; 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 honor New York State Trooper Mitchell B. Reed upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Superintendent's Commendation Award; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Trooper Mitchell B. Reed.