Senate Resolution No. 965

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Shawn Reesh and Joseph Phillips 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 Shawn Reesh and Joseph Phillips 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, May 11, 2021, at approximately 4:00 a.m., Shawn
Reesh and Joseph Phillips were on the job for Przyluke Garbage
Collection Services in the area of Mapledale Road in New Hartford, New
York, when Joseph noticed fire and smoke coming from the garage at 2
Mapledale Road; he immediately notified his driver Shawn and grabbed a
fire extinguisher from the truck and without hesitation, ran to the
burning structure; and

WHEREAS, While Shawn Reesh attempted to put out the fire, Joseph
Phillips alerted the occupants of the home by banging on the front door;
after the homeowner came to the door and was notified that his garage
was on fire, he went back in to get his wife and two small children out
of the structure; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Shawn Reesh called 911 around 4:17 a.m.
to alert the New Hartford Fire Department, and then both he and Joseph
Phillips assisted the homeowner and his family to safety; and

WHEREAS, By the time first responders arrived, the fire had quickly
spread from the attached garage to the home and a vehicle which was in
the driveway; and

WHEREAS, Due to the quick thinking and bravery of both Shawn Reesh
and Joseph Phillips, the family was surely saved from certain death
since the garage where the fire first originated was connected to the
family's bedrooms; and

WHEREAS, Shawn Reesh and Joseph Phillips, in their spontaneous and
heroic acts, have so aptly demonstrated their character and compassion
for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of their 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 Shawn Reesh and Joseph Phillips 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 Shawn Reesh and Joseph Phillips.