Senate Resolution No. 1581
BY: Senator CANZONERI-FITZPATRICK
COMMENDING Joseph Bitetto upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of another; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Joseph Bitetto upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Island Park, New York, Joseph Bitetto
has devoted himself to his community through nearly a decade of service
with the Island Park Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Bitetto joined the department in May 2016 as a
member of the Hose Company and, in recognition of his leadership and
dedication, was elected Captain of the Hose Company in April 2024; and
WHEREAS, On December 20, 2025, Joseph Bitetto and his fiancee Megan
Walsh were walking across Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, New York when a
family of three walking in front of them suddenly fell through the ice
near the shoreline; and
WHEREAS, Calling upon his training and experience, Joseph Bitetto
sprang into action, battling freezing temperatures, heavy winter
clothing, and unstable ice conditions to pull the couple and their young
daughter from the frigid waters; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Bitetto remained calm and focused as he positioned
himself safely on the shore and reached out for the mother and child
first, then, through the cries of the traumatized child, he was able to
get the father to safety as well; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to his quick and decisive action, Joseph Bitetto was
able to assist the family rapidly and prevent them from suffering any
serious injuries; and
WHEREAS, After the ordeal, Joseph Bitetto advised the family to find
a warm place to dry off; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Bitetto's commitment to helping others extends well
beyond the call of duty as in March of 2025, he performed CPR on a
choking victim at a local establishment while enjoying a meal with
friends; and
WHEREAS, For his heroic acts and his service as a firefighter,
Joseph Bitetto has been honored and recognized by the Village of Island
Park with a citation and key to the city as well as being recognized for
his lifesaving actions by the Town of Hempstead Town Board members; and
WHEREAS, In his spontaneous and heroic actions, Joseph Bitetto
demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of others,
exemplifying the best qualities inherent in our citizens; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Joseph Bitetto upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Joseph Bitetto.
