Assembly Resolution No. 349
BY: M. of A. Tague
COMMENDING New York State Investigator Allyson C.
Head upon the occasion of her 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 Investigator Allyson C. Head upon the occasion of her
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, Investigator Allyson C. Head, along with
Trooper Daniel Mazzarella and Trooper Mitchell Reed, 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, Investigator Allyson C. Head
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 Trooper Daniel Mazzarella and
Trooper Mitchell Reed, Investigator Allyson C. Head 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,
Investigator Allyson C. Head, along with Trooper Daniel Mazzarella and
Trooper Mitchell Reed, 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, Investigator Allyson C. Head, Trooper Daniel
Mazzarella, and Trooper Mitchell Reed 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, Investigator Allyson C. Head's quick thinking, fast
response, and selfless spirit prevented the man from causing further
injury to himself; without her 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 Investigator Allyson C. Head 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 Investigator Allyson C. Head upon the occasion of
her 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 Investigator Allyson C. Head.
