J 2371: Commending Wade Peck upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate

 Senate Resolution No. 2371 BY: Senator HELMING COMMENDING Wade Peck 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 that those who unselfishly devote themselves to the well-being and safety of others, demonstrating exceptional courage in times of peril, merit the highest recognition of the New York State Senate; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Wade Peck 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, Wade Peck, 56, of Farmington, New York, is being honored with a New York State Senate Liberty Medal in recognition of his courageous and selfless actions on August 17, 2026, when he stopped to assist a family whose home was threatened by a rapidly spreading fire; and WHEREAS, At approximately 6:42 p.m. on August 17, 2026, a vehicle parked outside a residence on Meadowbrook Lane in Farmington suddenly caught fire; within minutes, the vehicle was engulfed in flames, and the fire had begun to spread to the front of the home; and WHEREAS, While driving past the residence, Wade Peck saw the smoke and flames and immediately stopped to assist, demonstrating extraordinary courage and compassion as he placed the well-being of those inside the home above his own safety; and WHEREAS, Drawing upon his previous experience as a volunteer firefighter with the Port Gibson Volunteer Fire Department, Wade Peck attached a garden hose to the home and began spraying the fire, helping to slow its advance while professional emergency responders were still in route; and WHEREAS, Wade Peck further assisted by directing the family's son to retrieve fire extinguishers from inside the residence, providing the occupants with additional means to combat the rapidly developing blaze and helping to protect the home until firefighters arrived; and WHEREAS, At the time of the fire, a 20-year-old resident, a juvenile, and a dog were inside the home; through the efforts of Wade Peck and those present, as well as the prompt response of emergency personnel, all were able to evacuate safely, and no injuries were reported; and WHEREAS, Firefighters from the Victor and Farmington fire departments subsequently arrived and contained the fire, limiting the damage to the exterior of the residence; Farmington Code Enforcement later determined that the family could safely remain in their home; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, the homeowners expressed their profound gratitude for Wade Peck's actions, recognizing that his intervention helped prevent what could have been a far greater loss and gave responding firefighters valuable time to arrive and contain the blaze; and WHEREAS, Wade Peck is a resident of Farmington and an employee of El-Vi Farms in Newark, New York; he previously served as a volunteer firefighter with the Port Gibson Volunteer Fire Department; and WHEREAS, Known as a humble man who shies away from recognition, Wade Peck nevertheless exemplifies the highest ideals of citizenship through his willingness to place the safety and welfare of others before his own convenience, acting decisively and compassionately when his community was in need; and WHEREAS, By stopping his vehicle, taking immediate action, and using his knowledge and experience to help slow the spread of the fire, Wade Peck demonstrated that heroism is often found not in seeking recognition, but in simply choosing to help when help is needed most; and WHEREAS, Wade Peck's actions on August 17, 2026, reflect great credit upon himself, his family, the Town of Farmington, and the State of New York, and stand as an inspiring example of courage, civic responsibility, and devotion to the safety of one's neighbors; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Wade Peck upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate, in recognition of his extraordinary courage, selflessness, and heroic actions in helping to protect a Farmington family and their home; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Wade Peck.