Senate Resolution No. 1148

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Aidan Kane, Tyler Sodja, and Donato
Jellenich upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor
bestowed upon an individual by the New

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 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 Aidan Kane, Tyler Sodja, and Donato Jellenich 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, Aidan Kane, Donato Jellenich, and Tyler Sodja are juniors
at Whitesboro High School; in addition to school, Aidan Kane enjoys
cleaning and detailing automobiles, Donato Jellenich participates on the
indoor and outdoor track teams, and Tyler Sodja plays on the varsity
soccer team; and

WHEREAS, On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Aidan Kane, Tyler Sodja, and
Donato Jellenich had just left their high school prom and were driving
to a friend's home when they noticed a fire nearby; and

WHEREAS, Aidan Kane, Tyler Sodja, and Donato Jellenich approached
the fire and witnessed a garage engulfed in flames next to a home;
despite having just left their high school prom, the three teenagers
immediately took action to assist at the scene; and

WHEREAS, Aidan Kane went to the front door of the home next to the
burning garage and began pounding on the door, hoping to alert any
residents of the increasingly dangerous situation; and

WHEREAS, Tyler Sodja went towards the burning garage to investigate
the fire and ensure no one was inside the burning structure; and

WHEREAS, Donato Jellenich immediately contacted local emergency
services to prevent further spread of the fire; and

WHEREAS, With their teamwork and brave immediate reactions, Aidan
Kane, Tyler Sodja, and Donato Jellenich were able to evacuate two
children and their father from the at-risk home and alert emergency
services of the dangerous situation; and

WHEREAS, The heroic and selfless actions of Aidan Kane, Tyler Sodja,
and Donato Jellenich protected the family from harm and assisted in

preventing the further spread and destruction of the fire; without their
noble actions, the scene on May 17, 2025, could have been tragic; and

WHEREAS, Once they graduate, Aidan Kane hopes to become a New York
State Trooper and Tyler Sodja is interested in attending law school; and

WHEREAS, Aidan Kane, Tyler Sodja, and Donato Jellenich, in their
spontaneous and heroic acts, have so aptly demonstrated their character
and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of
their actions, 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 Aidan Kane, Tyler Sodja, and Donato Jellenich 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 Aidan Kane, Tyler Sodja, and Donato Jellenich.