Senate Resolution No. 1341

BY: Senator RITCHIE

COMMENDING five off-post Fort Drum Soldiers upon
the occasion of their designation as recipients 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 five off-post Fort Drum Soldiers upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients 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 evening of Thursday, October 14, 2021, Sergeant
Major Jake Smith was pulling into the plaza on Arsenal Street in the
City of Watertown, New York, when he observed a pickup truck speeding
down the street before smashing into another vehicle and exploding into
flames; and

WHEREAS, Four other soldiers, Specialists Shane T. Cockerham,
William L. Berube, Jacob G. Jones and Zachary Broxson, had just
finished dinner in the same plaza when they saw and heard the violent,
fiery crash; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation or regard for their own safety, these
five brave United States Army Soldiers rushed to the scene where one
victim remained trapped in the driver's side of the pickup truck; and

WHEREAS, During this time, as the vehicle continued to become
engulfed in flames, these brave men attempted to kick in the door and
break the seat while one of the soldiers crawled under the vehicle in an
effort to put out the fire; and

WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, local firefighters arrived and were
able to use the Jaws of Life to remove the victim from the vehicle; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as heroes, Sergeant Major Jake Smith and
Specialists Shane T. Cockerham, William L. Berube, Jacob G. Jones and
Zachary Broxson richly merit the admiration of this Legislative Body and
their communities for their consummate, swift action in saving the lives
of these five individuals; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, they should be meritoriously commended for
remaining calm under pressure and for showing valor and true courage
while performing a lifesaving deed; and


WHEREAS, Sergeant Major Jake Smith and Specialists Shane T.
Cockerham, William L. Berube, Jacob G. Jones and Zachary Broxson, in
their spontaneous and heroic acts, have so aptly demonstrated their
character and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by
virtue of their actions, 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 five off-post Fort Drum Soldiers upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sergeant Major Jake Smith and Specialists Shane T.
Cockerham, William L. Berube, Jacob G. Jones and Zachary Broxson.