Senate Resolution No. 1430

BY: Senator RYAN

COMMENDING Jayden Gersitz 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, acting swiftly
and selflessly 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 Jayden Gersitz of Tonawanda, New York, 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, Responding without hesitation, Jayden Gersitz, a
fifth-grade student at Franklin Middle School, was riding his bicycle to
an after-school baseball game when he was met by his cousin who was
rushing to retrieve the emergency fire department radio in his father's
truck; a spectator of the sporting event had a medical emergency, and
the radio was needed to call paramedics; and

WHEREAS, After securing the radio, Jayden Gersitz delivered it by
bicycle to his uncle, who in turn called emergency responders; the
paramedics arrived but parked in a different parking area; Jayden
Gersitz, thinking quickly, hopped on his bike again and sped over to
where the ambulance was located and directed the paramedics to the
correct location, truly making a positive difference in their ability to
respond efficiently; and

WHEREAS, This act of selflessness has resulted in Jayden Gersitz now
carrying a small pager radio with him in case of an emergency; even in
his adolescence, he is already following in the footsteps of his father,
a Kenilworth Fire Department firefighter; Jayden Gersitz has already
taken part in various activities at the fire station, observed numerous
drills, and even has his own locker and tasks at the station; and

WHEREAS, Jayden Gersitz, 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 need help; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Jayden Gersitz 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 Jayden Gersitz.