Senate Resolution No. 2009

BY: Senator ASHBY

COMMENDING Christopher Dick 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 Christopher Dick 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 Sunday, March 3, 2024, Christopher Dick and his daughter
were traveling home from their Jeep Club in Grafton, New York, when they
witnessed a house fire; being the first ones on the scene, they
immediately acted; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Christopher Dick secured the fire
extinguishers he had just purchased that morning, and his daughter
calmed the homeowner, preventing her from returning to the blaze to
rescue her pets; and

WHEREAS, A member of the East Greenbush Fire Company for 30 years
and experienced in EMS dispatch, Christopher Dick utilized multiple fire
extinguishers to knock down the kitchen door and control the airflow
that would cause the fire to spread throughout the house; and

WHEREAS, Before the dispatched fire departments and other aid
arrived, Christopher Dick and some neighbors successfully extinguished
the fire that was caused by an explosion in the oven; and

WHEREAS, The Grafton Fire Chief credits Christopher Dick with the
prevention of the destruction of a residence and the devastation of a
community member's life; and

WHEREAS, A truly courageous man, Christopher Dick 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, Christopher Dick 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 Christopher Dick 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 Christopher Dick.