Senate Resolution No. 1292

BY: Senator ORTT

COMMENDING Brandon Orlikowski, 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, Our Nation's firefighters deserve acknowledgement and
commendation for their selfless and immediate actions to save the lives
of others, disregarding the danger to their own welfare; Brandon
Orlikowski is one such hero; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Brandon
Orlikowski, 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 Friday, September 5, 2025, Brandon Orlikowski, Fire
Captain of South Lockport Fire Company, was a passenger on a flight when
a call for medical assistance was made; he immediately left his seat and
volunteered to assist an elderly woman who was suffering from an
apparent heart attack; and

WHEREAS, Brandon Orlikowski assisted a physician who also
volunteered to help the woman, providing CPR and oxygen to the victim
until the plane made an emergency landing where paramedics were waiting;
and

WHEREAS, The elderly woman was in obvious distress, and her daughter
had called for help; as a first responder, Brandon Orlikowski did not
think twice about assisting; his training helped save someone's life,
and he personally believes that everyone should learn the critical
lifesaving procedures he learned in case of an emergency that could
happen to anyone; and

WHEREAS, While the physician administered chest compressions,
Brandon Orlikowski obtained the oxygen bottle and automated external
defibrillator (AED); the two responders brought the woman back to
consciousness after which the oxygen mask was used; by the time the
plane landed, the victim was able to speak; and

WHEREAS, Brandon Orlikowski and all individuals who have training in
CPR possess the invaluable skills to assist and even save the lives of
others; when help is on the way, anyone who has that knowledge can
respond in an emergency situation where mere moments matter and can make
the critical difference from the time a cardiac incident occurs to the
availability of medical personnel on the scene; and

WHEREAS, Brandon Orlikowski's immediate response and selfless caring
for the welfare of another individual in dire need of assistance

prevented a tragedy; he exemplified heroism for which his fellow New
Yorkers should extol honor and gratitude; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Brandon Orlikowski, 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 Brandon Orlikowski.