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.
