Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo (right) and Assemblyman McDonough (left) presents the New York State Senate Liberty Medal to Scott Mateyaschuk of North Bellmore for his efforts to save lives in Haiti. They are joined by Mr. Mateyaschuk’s wife, Andrea, and his rescue dog, Aragorn, who also participated in the search & rescue operations in Haiti.
Scott Mateyaschuck, an NYPD officer from North Bellmore, today received the New York State Senate Liberty Medal from Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) and Assemblyman David McDonough (R-North Merrick) for his efforts to save lives in Haiti following the devastating earthquake there earlier this year.
Mr. Mateyaschuk is part of New York Task Force 1, Urban Search and Rescue Team which conducted search and rescue operations in Haiti following the earthquake. As a member of the team, Mr. Mateyaschuk spent ten days in Port au Prince trying to locate and rescue victims who were trapped under rubble from collapsed buildings. Several individuals were saved and brought to safety as a result of the team’s efforts.
“Someone who voluntarily leaves the safety and comfort of home, travels to the scene of a catastrophic disaster, and risks his own safety to help others, as Scott Mateyaschuk did, is an extremely special person. His efforts, along with those of the other members of the team, resulted in lives being saved. He is a true hero who is most deserving of this honor. I am pleased to thank him for his efforts,” said Senator Fuschillo.
The New York State Senate Liberty Medal is one of the highest civilian honors that a New York resident can receive. It is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts and achievements.
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