Senate Resolution No. 1818

BY: Senator WEBER

COMMENDING Jean Donald Mathieu 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 custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens who demonstrate great courage and
diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their
communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York, there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary service on behalf of others; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Jean Donald Mathieu 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, February 3, 2024, Jean Donald Mathieu, of
Spring Valley, New York, was returning home after his workday when he
witnessed smoke coming from a multi-story apartment building in his
Rockland County neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Jean Donald Mathieu ran toward the
burning residence, climbed a tree, jumped over a metal fence, ascended
the smoking building's narrow fire escape ladder, and entered the
apartment where the blaze originated; and

WHEREAS, As the building's residents made their way through the
choking smoke in the hallways and descended the fire escape, Jean Donald
Mathieu rushed into the apartment where he observed eight-month-old
Isabella with her mother, Katia, and a second woman who were trapped
inside the burning residence; as a husband and father of one son, he
immediately responded to the crisis without concern for his own safety;
and

WHEREAS, More than 75 firefighters from five departments responded
to the alarm that was issued and controlled the blaze within 20 minutes;
although the building's tenants escaped the fire, two individuals
required medical attention for smoke inhalation, bringing awareness of
the potential tragedy to the residents of the neighborhood who recognize
the courage, compassion, and selflessness of Jean Donald Mathieu; and

WHEREAS, Jean Donald Mathieu has been revered as an admirable
worker, named Employee of the Year twice during his tenure with Venus

Laboratories, Inc., since he was added to the company's workforce in
2012; and

WHEREAS, Featured in the corporation's "Employee Spotlight" for his
dependability, efficiency, and exemplary leadership in the workplace,
Jean Donald Mathieu has been heralded for his quality work, positivity,
productivity, and willingness to help whenever needed, making him a
well-respected member of his community; and

WHEREAS, A truly courageous man, Jean Donald Mathieu played a vital
role in this extraordinary rescue effort and should be praised by the
people of this great Empire State for his astute actions in attempting
to preserve the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, In his spontaneous and heroic act, Jean Donald Mathieu has
so aptly demonstrated his character and compassion for others,
personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of
ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily
respond without thought of danger or reward when fellow constituents are
in need of aid; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
citizens who unselfishly assist and protect others are worthy and due
full praise for their noble endeavors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Jean Donald Mathieu 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 Jean Donald Mathieu.