Senate Resolution No. 1304

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMENDING Sylvia Collins upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient 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 Sylvia Collins upon the occasion of her 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, On Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at approximately 2 a.m., Uber
driver Sylvia Collins turned off the app in her car and prepared to make
her last trip of the night on Main Street in Buffalo, New York, when she
saw a two year old child wandering the street alone; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Sylvia Collins placed the toddler in
her car, put her coat on him, and fastened him into a seatbelt before
driving him to Oishei Children's Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Collins, a 33-year old mother of two, stayed with
the child, who was completely unharmed, until 6 a.m. while authorities
from the Buffalo Police Department were locating his family; and

WHEREAS, Had it not been for Sylvia Collins' quick thinking, this
perilous situation could have been much worse; she took action without
regard for herself, and is credited with saving the life of this little
boy; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Collins, in her spontaneous and heroic act, has so
aptly demonstrated her character and compassion for the welfare of
others, personifying, by virtue of her action, 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 Sylvia Collins upon the occasion of her 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 Sylvia Collins.