Senate Resolution No. 779

BY: Senator SKOUFIS

COMMENDING Ty'Shawn James 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 Ty'Shawn James 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 Saturday, March 27, 2021, 14-year-old Ty'Shawn James was
playing basketball at Chester Elementary School in Orange County, New
York, when his friend, who is also 14 years old, complained of feeling
lightheaded before collapsing to the floor and going into cardiac
arrest; and

WHEREAS, Responding without hesitation, Ty'Shawn James immediately
called 911 and with the assistance of an Orange County dispatcher, he
administered CPR to his friend, who has congenital heart disease; and

WHEREAS, Soon thereafter, paramedics from Mobile Life Support and
officers from the town and village of Chester police departments arrived
on the scene and the boy was rushed to Westchester Medical Center, where
he underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery; and

WHEREAS, What began as a game of basketball ended with this
extraordinary young man saving the life of his friend; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Ty'Shawn James richly merits
the admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his
consummate, swift action in saving a life; and

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

WHEREAS, Ty'Shawn James, 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 Ty'Shawn James 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 Ty'Shawn James.