Senate Resolution No. 2332

BY: Senator REICHLIN-MELNICK

COMMENDING Jimmy Sanchez, Jessica Lappe, Christian
Florencia and Matthew Irizzary upon the occasion of
their designation as recipients 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 Jimmy Sanchez, Jessica Lappe, Christian Florencia and Matthew
Irizzary upon the occasion of their designation as recipients 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, March 22, 2022, an official working a high
school boys lacrosse scrimmage at Tappan Zee High School collapsed on
the field; and

WHEREAS, Jimmy Sanchez, a New York City Fire Department Lieutenant
who serves on Engine 34 in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen and the father of
two lacrosse players, immediately left the stands and hopped over the
fence to the field where he observed the referee's breathing was labored
and his heartbeat was irregular before his pulse stopped completely; and

WHEREAS, Simultaneously, Tappan Zee Athletic Trainer Jessica Lappe
instructed Christian Florencia and Matthew Irizzary, two students who
were shadowing her, to call 911 and retrieve the automated external
defibrillator (AED); and

WHEREAS, Working together, Jessica Lappe began performing CPR while
Jimmy Sanchez hooked up the AED; after administering the AED, the
victim's pulse returned and moments later the South Orangetown EMS
arrived on the scene; the referee was transported to Montefiore Nyack
Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as heroes, Jimmy Sanchez, Jessica Lappe,
Christian Florencia and Matthew Irizzary richly merit the admiration of
this Legislative Body and their community for their consummate, swift
action in saving the life of this referee; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, they should be meritoriously commended for
remaining calm under pressure and for showing valor and true courage
while performing a lifesaving deed; and

WHEREAS, These four extraordinary individuals, in their spontaneous
and heroic acts, so aptly demonstrated their character and compassion
for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of their actions, 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 Jimmy Sanchez, Jessica Lappe, Christian Florencia and Matthew
Irizzary upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jimmy Sanchez, Jessica Lappe, Christian Florencia and
Matthew Irizzary.