Senate Resolution No. 1420

BY: Senator PALUMBO

COMMENDING Richard Scriven 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 Richard Scriven 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 July 21, 2023, Richard Scriven had boarded his
California-bound flight at JFK International Airport, when suddenly his
relaxation time was postponed as he was immediately called to help a man
suffering from a heroin overdose; and

WHEREAS, Trained to respond to emergency situations, Richard Scriven
was a Stony Brook University Hospital paramedic prior to entering the
police academy and being recruited by Suffolk County Police; his prompt
and brave actions after the announcement was made for medical personnel
saved the unconscious man's life; and

WHEREAS, After identifying himself and requesting medical supplies
from the plane's crew, Richard Scriven provided an intranasal dose of
Narcan to the man, who regained consciousness about two minutes later;
and

WHEREAS, Truly a caring individual, Richard Scriven remained with
the man until Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene to
transport the subject to Jamaica Hospital and then he was finally able
to continue his journey to the West Coast; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Richard Scriven richly merits
the admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his
consummate, swift action in saving the life of this man; and

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

WHEREAS, Richard Scriven, 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 Richard Scriven 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 Richard Scriven.