Upstate Medical University: Two Upstate Police Officers Honored For Bravery And Heroism

Press release from Upstate Medical University:

September 27, 2021

Two members of the Upstate Police Department have been honored for their bravery and heroic work, shielding individuals from gunfire outside the Upstate University Hospital Emergency Department.

Officer Brian Patterson and Office Lt. John Stefanko worked to shield individuals outside the Emergency Department when shots rang out in the early morning hours of July 5.

“This is a story of real-life heroism and bravery,” Stirpe said. “Without hesitation, the two officers selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public.”

Proclamations were presented to Patterson and Stefanko by New York State Assemblyman Al Stirpe Sept. 22 at an event, held at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel and Conference Center. Stirpe was joined by other dignitaries, including State Sen. Rachel May, State Sen. John Mannion, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner, and representatives of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Stirpe acknowledged the selfless actions on the part of the officers, who have more than 20 years of combined service in law enforcement. Additionally, both served in U.S. Armed Forces.

Patterson and Stefanko accepted their proclamations and thanked Stirpe and others in attendance for the recognition, but acknowledged that the recognition was not something they sought.

“We were merely doing our jobs,” Stefanko said.

This press release was produced by Upstate Medical University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.