Senate Resolution No. 1265

BY: Senator PALUMBO

COMMENDING Dave Cook 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 Dave Cook 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, Dave Cook, a school custodian at Rocky Point High School,
is credited with saving a student who was choking in the cafeteria; and

WHEREAS, 15-year-old Avery Ward who is a ninth-grade student at
Rocky Point High School, was at school eating lunch with her friends
when she took a bite of a French fry right before she started to laugh;
she then realized she could not talk or breathe; and

WHEREAS, Dave Cook, who has been employed with the school for 20
years, was at one end of the cafeteria when he heard of a medical
emergency at the other end; responding without hesitation, he jumped
into action and performed the Heimlich maneuver; after five attempts, he
was able to successfully dislodge the piece of food from the young
girl's throat; and

WHEREAS, Dave Cook, 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 are in need of
help; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dave Cook 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 Dave Cook.