Senate Resolution No. 1828

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Richard Macheda 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 Richard Macheda 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, Richard Macheda, a longtime resident of Cazenovia, New
York, served as Chief of Operations for Cazenovia Area Volunteer
Ambulance Corps (CAVAC), where he proudly dedicated 25 years as a first
responder; he is also a past Chief of the Cazenovia Fire Department,
with 39 years of service; and

WHEREAS, A testament to his dedication to community, Richard Macheda
actively serves on the Madison County Underwater Recovery Team, Rope
Rescue Team, and Search and Rescue Team; he also is a certified CPR
instructor through the American Heart Association and serves as Chair
for Dig Safely New York; and

WHEREAS, Richard Macheda, on the morning of Friday, December 26,
2025, saw smoke as he drove near North Street in Syracuse, New York; he
pulled over as he found a residence ablaze; and

WHEREAS, Upon his arrival to the scene, Richard Macheda met John
Canestrare, a Syracuse police officer, who had discovered a woman lying
on the ground outside, unconscious, with a severely broken foot; and

WHEREAS, The two brave men acted swiftly, utilizing their first
responder knowledge and impulses to begin CPR on the woman in need;
Richard Macheda acquired the medical bag from his vehicle and secured an
airway for the victim; and

WHEREAS, Richard Macheda assisted in stabilizing the victim of the
housefire until firefighters and EMTs arrived; once in the care of the
EMTs, Richard Macheda and John Canestrare were notified that a pulse had
been restored to the woman, offering the two a moment of relief that
their immediate actions had paid off; and

WHEREAS, The two strangers, recognizing their shared role in the
lifesaving response effort, shared a handshake and an embrace, leaving
the situation having shown that swift action, teamwork, and confidence
can make all the difference; and

WHEREAS, A truly brave and courageous individual, Richard Macheda
played a vital role in this extraordinary rescue effort, and should be
praised by the people of this great Empire State for his swift actions
in working to preserve the life of another; and

WHEREAS, Richard Macheda, 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 Richard Macheda 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 Richard Macheda.