Senate Resolution No. 1288

BY: Senator GALLIVAN

COMMENDING Brody Kaufman 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, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort 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 Brody Kaufman 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 Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 17-year-old resident of New
York State, Brody Kaufman, was in the Florida Keys on vacation when he
was notified of a kayaker who had flipped over in the ocean and was
being swept away in a strong current; and

WHEREAS, Brody Kaufman, a junior volunteer firefighter with the
Harris Hill Volunteer Fire Company, immediately sprang into action to
assist in rescuing the victim from potential drowning; he helped source
three different ropes and aided in securing the at-risk man, using the
rope to pull him nearly 300-400 yards down a bridge toward safety; and

WHEREAS, Emergency vehicles, including the Coast Guard, arrived at
the scene shortly after the man was safely brought to shore; witnesses
described the scene as a powerful example of ordinary citizens stepping
up in a moment of crisis; and

WHEREAS, A truly brave and courageous man, Brody Kaufman 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 working
to preserve the life of another; and

WHEREAS, Brody Kaufman, 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 are in need of
help; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Brody Kaufman 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 Brody Kaufman.