Senate Resolution No. 2363

BY: Senator WEIK

COMMENDING Richard Duncan 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 Duncan 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 the afternoon of Sunday, May 17th, 2026, 10-year-old
Richard Duncan was home enjoying a beautiful spring day playing outside
when he smelled what he thought to be smoke coming from the backyard of
his neighbors' home; and

WHEREAS, Richard Duncan looked over his fence and quickly realized
that his neighbor's grass was on fire and rapidly spreading to the side
of the house; thinking back to the fire prevention classes taught by
members of the West Babylon Fire Department at his school - John F.
Kennedy Elementary School - Richard immediately ran to the nearest phone
and called the fire department; and

WHEREAS, The West Babylon Fire Department found not only the house
on fire, but that a mother and young daughter were still inside and
unaware that the house was on fire; and

WHEREAS, For his heroic actions, the Chiefs of the West Babylon Fire
Department will be presenting Richard Duncan with an award in a small
ceremony at the Fire Headquarters in West Babylon, on Saturday, June 27,
2026; and

WHEREAS, In his spontaneous and heroic actions, Richard Duncan
demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of others,
exemplifying the best qualities inherent in our citizens; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Richard Duncan 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 Duncan.