J 2363: Commending Richard Duncan 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

 Senate Resolution No. 2363 BY: Senator WEIK COMMENDING Richard Duncan 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 Richard Duncan 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, On the afternoon of Sunday, May 17th, 2026, 10-year-old Richard Duncan was home enjoying a beautiful spring day playing outside when he smelled what he thought to be smoke coming from the backyard of his neighbors' home; and WHEREAS, Richard Duncan looked over his fence and quickly realized that his neighbor's grass was on fire and rapidly spreading to the side of the house; thinking back to the fire prevention classes taught by members of the West Babylon Fire Department at his school - John F. Kennedy Elementary School - Richard immediately ran to the nearest phone and called the fire department; and WHEREAS, The West Babylon Fire Department found not only the house on fire, but that a mother and young daughter were still inside and unaware that the house was on fire; and WHEREAS, For his heroic actions, the Chiefs of the West Babylon Fire Department will be presenting Richard Duncan with an award in a small ceremony at the Fire Headquarters in West Babylon, on Saturday, June 27, 2026; and WHEREAS, In his spontaneous and heroic actions, Richard Duncan 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 Richard Duncan 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 Richard Duncan.