LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Margaret Benizzi in recognition of her
heroic action in saving the life of a third-grade student on December
13, 2011

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, remaining calm
under pressure, 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 honor
Margaret Benizzi in recognition of her heroic action in saving the life
of a third-grade student on Tuesday, December 13, 2011; and
WHEREAS, In appreciation of her act of valor, the Fallsburg Central
School District bestowed its prestigious STAR Award to Margaret Benizzi
on January 4, 2012; and
WHEREAS, The immediate response of Fallsburg Central School District
cafeteria monitor, Margaret Benizzi, exemplifies her dedication to and
concern for the children of the district who are entrusted to her care
every day; and
WHEREAS, During lunchtime in a noisy elementary school cafeteria, a
third-grade student began choking on a meatball that became lodged in
her throat; and
WHEREAS, Margaret Benizzi immediately noticed the student in peril;
maintaining her composure, she immediately began performing the Heimlich
maneuver and was able to successfully dislodge the piece of meat caught
in the child's throat; and
WHEREAS, The quick and astute actions of Margaret Benizzi ultimately
saved the young life of the student, allowing the child to experience a
life full of tomorrows and a future filled with endless possibilities;
and
WHEREAS, Both the third-grade student and her family are eternally
grateful to Margaret Benizzi for her life-saving deed, recognizing this
remarkable woman as a true hero who has forever changed their lives; and
WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Margaret Benizzi richly merits
the admiration of this Legislative Body and her community for her
consummate, swift action in saving the life of a child; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Margaret Benizzi should be meritoriously commended
for remaining calm under pressure and for showing valor and true courage
while performing a lifesaving deed; and
WHEREAS, Margaret Benizzi, in her spontaneous and heroic act, has
aptly demonstrated her character and compassion for the welfare of
others, personifying, by virtue of her action, the collective concern of
the citizens of Fallsburg and across the community of the State of New
York for our children, our most precious resource; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
grateful tribute to Fallsburg Central School District employee Margaret
Benizzi for her heroic action in saving the life of a third-grade
student on December 13, 2011, noting the significance of her immediate
response to come to the aid of another in a life threatening situation;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Margaret Benizzi.