J 2375: Commending Kyle Stevener 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. 2375 BY: Senator ORTT COMMENDING Kyle Stevener 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 Kyle Stevener 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, Kyle Stevener, assistant chief of the North Tonawanda Fire Department and a certified paramedic, was headed home from the Erie County Fair with his family when he noticed a vehicle stopped along River Road in North Tonawanda; and WHEREAS, Upon seeing a person lying in the roadway, Kyle Stevener swung his own vehicle around, aimed his headlights toward the victim, and got out to help; and WHEREAS, A 12-year-old girl had been struck by a car moments earlier and had appeared to have been thrown from the crosswalk by the impact while attempting to cross River Road in the crosswalk at Ward Road in North Tonawanda, New York; and WHEREAS, Having already used his radio to contact dispatch while other bystanders called 911, Kyle Stevener checked her airway, breathing and circulation, then positioned her head to protect her cervical spine while waiting for emergency crews; and WHEREAS, A fire engine was on the scene within two minutes of Kyle Stevener's call, and police and an ambulance weren't far behind; the arriving firefighters helped stabilize the girl before she was taken by ambulance to the hospital; and WHEREAS, Though she suffered serious injuries and is being treated at the pediatric intensive care unit at Golisano Children's Hospital of Buffalo, New York, the 12-year-old girl is expected to make a full recovery, though rehabilitation could be lengthy, thanks to Kyle Stevener's quick thinking, training and 19 years of experience as a first responder; and WHEREAS, In his spontaneous and heroic actions, Kyle Stevener 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 Kyle Stevener 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 Kyle Stevener.