When we think of a hero, oftentimes we picture someone wearing a cape and flying around the city saving lives. But the real heroes are the ones right here in our communities who put the safety of others before their own and show a level of bravery that no superhero movie could ever capture. Earlier this past summer, two local SUNY police officers exemplified just that when they went above the call of duty and, without hesitation, risked their lives to protect those around them. I held a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 22, to honor Lieutenant John Stefanko and Officer Brian Patterson and express gratitude for their selfless actions.

In the early hours of July 5, Lt. Stefanko and Officer Patterson were securing the Emergency Department entrance to Upstate Medical University after multiple shooting victims had arrived when they heard gunfire. Both officers immediately rose to action and put themselves in harm’s way to protect the many bystanders in the area. Officer Patterson used his body to shield a local pastor who had sustained a gunshot wound to his arm and guided him to a secure area. The officers exited the hospital multiple times to escort people to safety, each time exposing themselves to an unknown lethal threat.[1] Their actions that day were truly lifesaving and emblematic of what it means to protect and serve.

Both officers have long and distinguished careers in public service. Lt. Stefanko is a wartime veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and first joined Upstate Medical University as a contract security officer in 2006. His attention to detail, strong work ethic and many other talents led to his appointment as a university police officer in 2009. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2014 and has received many accolades for his service, including Letters of Commendation and the Meritorious Service Award in 2014.

Officer Patterson is also a wartime veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. He began serving our community in 2014 as a contract security officer, where his outstanding skills quickly landed him a promotion to staff assistant of the police chief at Upstate Medical University in 2016. He moved on from the contractor position in 2019 to pursue his current position as a police officer at the university.

I was proud to present proclamations to Lt. Stefanko and Officer Patterson at Wednesday’s press conference and take a moment to recognize their unwavering commitment to keeping our families safe. Other elected officials and local leaders also attended the event, including Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, Sen. Rachel May, Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckners, Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and University Police Officers Director Ryan Law and Upstate Medical University Police Chief D. Paul Waltz. The Governor’s office also presented awards to both officers, which were given by 1^st Deputy Superintendent Steve Nigrelli and Major Daren Pitkin. 

These officers courageously put their lives on the line and deserve our utmost appreciation and respect. If you have questions or concerns about this or any community issue, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 315-452-1115 or StirpeA@nyassembly.gov.

[1] cnycentral.com/news/local/a-syracuse-pastor-was-shot-at-the-hospital-a-sanctuary-that-may-no-longer-be-safe