Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo (right ) presents the New York State Senate Liberty Medal to Chris Connolly (center) for his efforts to rescue victims of the Haiti earthquake. They are joined by Mr. Connolly’s wife, Eileen (left).
New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today presented the New York State Senate Liberty Medal to Massapequa Park resident Chris Connolly for his efforts to save lives in Haiti following the devastating earthquake there earlier this year.
Mr. Connolly, an officer in the NYPD, is a member of New York Task Force 1, Urban Search and Rescue Team which conducted rescue operations in Haiti following the earthquake. As a member of the team, Mr. Connolly 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 like Chris Connolly, 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, is an extremely special person. Lives were saved thanks to his efforts and those of the rest of the team. 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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