Senate Resolution No. 3362

BY: Senator HELMING

COMMENDING Shane Mathis 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 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 Shane Mathis 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, On the morning of Tuesday, September 29, 2020, Shane Mathis
was driving his work truck when he took a wrong turn on his way to
Geneva; and

WHEREAS, Upon traveling down Armington Road in Manchester, New York,
Shane Mathis noticed a column of black smoke and located its source to
be a garage fire which was quickly spreading to the attached house; and

WHEREAS, After calling 911, Shane Mathis parked his truck on the
side of the road and without hesitation or regard for his own safety,
began walking up the driveway towards the blaze, during which time he
noticed an elderly man lying on the porch; and

WHEREAS, As the heat from the fire increased, Shane Mathis assisted
the homeowner to his feet and encouraged him to get away from the
building before making the ultimate decision to carry the frail man down
the driveway to safety; and

WHEREAS, The Manchester Fire Department was assisted on-scene by the
Clifton Springs Fire Department and Shortsville Ambulance, and although
the home suffered significant structural damage, no injuries were
reported; and

WHEREAS, A truly brave and courageous man, Shane Mathis played a
vital role in this extraordinary rescue effort, and should be praised by
the people of this great Empire State for his astute actions in
attempting to preserve the life of another; and

WHEREAS, Shane Mathis, in his spontaneous and heroic act, has so
aptly demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of
others, personifying, by virtue of his 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 Shane Mathis 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 Shane Mathis.