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WATERTOWN WEATHER

SENATOR SEAN RYAN HONORS STATE PARK POLICE OFFICER WITH COMMENDATION AWARD

Sep 12, 2024 10:45AM ● By Kenzie Shiver

GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. – Today, Sept. 10, 2024, New York State Senator Sean Ryan presented a New  York State Senate Commendation Award to New York State Park Police Officer Nathan Sibenik in  recognition of his heroic intervention to prevent a woman from drowning in the Niagara River. 

In July, while patrolling Niagara Falls State Park, Officer Sibenik was alerted by parkgoers that a woman  had entered the river’s rapids and needed help. Without hesitation, Officer Sibenik jumped into the water  and swam toward the woman. Drawing on his intensive emergency training as a member of the Park Police  Swiftwater Rescue Team, he was able to reach the woman in time and bring her safely to shore. The woman  was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment and care. 

Senator Sean Ryan said, “I am honored to be able to present Officer Sibenik with a small token of our  community’s appreciation for his service and for the bravery he showed saving that woman’s life. His  heroic actions are a testament to the preparedness of the State Park Police, and the incredible work that  first responders do in our community each and every day.”