Senate Resolution No. 15

BY: Senator HELMING

COMMENDING Molly Ames upon the occasion of her
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 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 Molly Ames upon the occasion of her 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 Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Sodus, New York, resident,
Molly Ames, was driving her vehicle in the Town of Walworth when she
observed a man who was struggling to ride his bicycle; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Molly Ames stopped her vehicle to check
on the gentleman's welfare; unaware that he was suffering from a heart
attack, the man asked the concerned motorist to call 9-1-1 after which
he collapsed; and

WHEREAS, Molly Ames immediately called 9-1-1 and followed the
dispatcher's instructions to administer CPR; although she had never been
formally trained in first aid, she performed chest compressions for
seven minutes, an incredibly exhausting task; undeterred, the concerned
woman continued the life-saving procedure until emergency personnel
arrived to restart the victim's heart; and

WHEREAS, It is a medical fact that the first minutes of a cardiac
arrest are the most critical in the prevention of long-lasting damage
and potential death; and

WHEREAS, The victim had no indication or family history of heart
failure; he knew that something felt strange, and he struggled to ride;
feeling fatigued, he could not keep his usual pace and dismounted his
bicycle; and

WHEREAS, By the time medical responders restarted the victim's
heart, he had been in cardiac arrest for approximately half an hour;
because of the heroism and unselfishness of Molly Ames, this grateful
grandfather of six, athlete, and former teacher is alive and continues
to enjoy his grandchildren and ride his bicycle; and WHEREAS For her
heroic actions, Molly Ames was honored with a Proclamation presented by

the Town of Walworth and a New York State Senate Citation on Thursday,
October 3, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Due to the noble and courageous actions taken by Molly
Ames, a precious life was saved, and a seemingly dire situation had
positive results; and

WHEREAS, Molly Ames, in her spontaneous and heroic act, has so aptly
demonstrated her character and compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of her 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 need help; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Molly Ames upon the occasion of her 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 Molly Ames.