J 260: Commending Jose Cristales 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. 260 BY: Senator SCARCELLA-SPANTON COMMENDING Jose Cristales 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 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 Jose Cristales 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 morning of Thursday, September 12, 2024, off-duty firefighter, Jose Cristales, was asleep at his home in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York, when he was awakened by the sound of screams; and WHEREAS, Acting immediately, Jose Cristales descended the stairs of his home and ran outside where he observed a woman who was trapped under a wheel of the vehicle that struck her; and WHEREAS, Instantly, the life-saving training Jose Cristales had mastered came to his mind, and he was readily available to assist the suffering victim; and WHEREAS, Jose Cristales assessed the situation and ascertained the need for bystanders to help him lift the vehicle so the woman could be freed; however, fortunately, a bulldozer was nearby; and WHEREAS, Alerting the construction crew members who were using the powerful land-moving equipment, Jose Cristales orchestrated a plan to hoist the vehicle; and WHEREAS, With the woman no longer trapped, Jose Cristales was able to move her to safety and perform CPR during which time the emergency crews arrived; the victim, who had sustained life-threatening injuries, was rushed to a hospital; and WHEREAS, On Friday, September 13, 2024, Jose Cristales and his fellow first responders were commended by the FDNY Commissioner; and WHEREAS, Due to the noble and courageous actions of Jose Cristales, a precious life was saved, and a seemingly dire situation had positive results; he had exemplified FDNY's values--training, teamwork, and heroism; and WHEREAS, Jose Cristales, in his spontaneous and heroic act, has so aptly demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of his action, the collective concern of ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily respond without thought of danger or reward when others need help; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Jose Cristales 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 Jose Cristales.