Senate Resolution No. 2238

BY: Senator ORTT

COMMENDING Theresa Jo Belkota 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 Theresa Jo Belkota 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 the evening of June 1, 2018, Theresa Jo Belkota arrived
home from work and heard screaming coming from her neighbors back yard;
her neighbor, who was mowing his lawn with a ride on tractor,
accidentally backed over the foot of his 10 year-old son; Theresa
immediately ran over to help; and

WHEREAS, Responding without hesitation, Theresa Jo Belkota assessed
the situation and quickly removed her shirt, using it as a tourniquet on
the child's bleeding leg, while his mother called 911; and

WHEREAS, Due to Theresa Jo Belkotas' astute actions, doctors expect
the young boy to make a complete recovery; and

WHEREAS, Theresa Jo Belkota, 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 Theresa Jo Belkota 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 Theresa Jo Belkota.