Senate Resolution No. 1148

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Aiden Kane, Tyler Sojda, and Donato
Jellencich 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

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

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

WHEREAS, Aiden Kane, Tyler Sojda, and Donato Jellencich 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, Aiden 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 Sojda went towards the burning garage to investigate
the fire and ensure no one was inside the burning structure; and

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

WHEREAS, With their teamwork and brave immediate reactions, Aiden
Kane, Tyler Sojda, and Donato Jellencich 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 Aiden Kane, Tyler Sojda,
and Donato Jellencich 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, Aiden Kane hopes to become a New York
State Trooper and Tyler Sojda is interested in attending law school; and

WHEREAS, Aiden Kane, Tyler Sojda, and Donato Jellencich, 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 Aiden Kane, Tyler Sojda, and Donato Jellencich 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 Aiden Kane, Tyler Sojda, and Donato Jellencich.