Senate Resolution No. 2217

BY: Senator GAUGHRAN

COMMENDING Jeanine Halpern 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 Jeanine Halpern 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, While spending a Saturday evening at a home on Woodbine
Avenue in Northport, New York, Jeanine Halpern heard the shouts of her
neighbor whose 11 year-old, nearly blind Havanese dog walked off a deck
and into the water at high tide in Northport Harbor; the dog's owner
jumped into the water after him and began having difficulty staying
afloat; and

WHEREAS, Responding without hesitation, Jeanine Halpern jumped into
the water and gave her struggling friend an inner tube before climbing
out of the water, and running up the street in the dogs direction to
another neighbor's deck several houses away; and

WHEREAS, As the dog approached the deck, Jeanine Halpern reached out
and grabbed him from the water, saving his life; and

WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, the Northport Rescue Squad arrived,
providing the dog's owner with medical care and transporting her to
Huntington Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Had it not been for Jeanine Halpern's courage and
determination, this perilous situation could have been much worse; she
took action without regard for her own safety, which so aptly
demonstrates her character and compassion for the safety and welfare of
others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Jeanine Halpern 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 Jeanine Halpern.