Senate Resolution No. 3069

BY: Senator HOYLMAN

HONORING Gray Davis 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 incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of exemplary citizens who take prompt and
appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so, help others
to avert life-threatening danger; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Gray Davis 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, After a 58-year-old man fell onto subway tracks Saturday,
June 3, 2017, in Manhattan, Gray Davis, a ballet dancer who had just
watched his wife perform with American Ballet Theater at the
Metropolitan Opera House, leapt down after him and moved him to safety;
and

WHEREAS, The incident took place at approximately 11:20 p.m. on the
tracks at the 72nd Street Broadway-Seventh Avenue station, where this
brave good Samaritan immediately took action without hesitation or
regard for his own safety, hoisting the unconscious man to the platform
all amidst the sound of a train nearing the station; and

WHEREAS, Gray Davis' actions display a remarkable sense of
selflessness, courage, and heroism in this remarkable act; and

WHEREAS, Originally from Greenwood, South Carolina, Gray Davis, 31,
studied at the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and
Humanities; he has been part of American Ballet Theater's corps de
ballet since 2007, and has performed in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty,
Swan Lake, and many other ballets; and

WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining his composure, Gray Davis
demonstrated his true character and genuine compassion for the welfare
of others; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Cassandra, who has
shown him unwavering love and support and rejoices in his achievements;
and


WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Gray Davis is
one such individual; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Gray Davis richly merits the
admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his consummate
courage and heroic actions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Gray Davis 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 Gray Davis.