Senate Resolution No. 2368

BY: Senator WALCZYK

COMMENDING Kristen Cummins 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, 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 Kristen Cummins 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 June 6, 2026, at Lake Durant near Blue Mountain Lake,
New York, Kristen Cummins was editing photos when she received a phone
call; she rarely answers the phone after hours, but for some reason, she
answered and on the other end was Matthew Veshia, who told her his boat
had capsized and that he was stranded in the water; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Veshia, who also had a fishing lure embedded under
his arm making it impossible for him to swim, found himself in
increasingly worse conditions as a heavy storm with strong winds was
building around him; and

WHEREAS, Kristen Cummins immediately grabbed two life jackets, a
boat, and additional flotation devices before heading out onto the lake
where she focused on finding Matthew and getting him to safety; and

WHEREAS, After struggling to paddle against the powerful wind,
Kristen Cummins finally reached Matthew and instructed him to hold onto
her boat; she then paddled both Matthew and his capsized boat to a
peninsula where they stopped for a few moments to catch their breath;
and

WHEREAS, Knowing that they needed to reach dry land as soon as
possible, Matthew helped Kristen Cummins get her boat back into the
water before climbing onto the peninsula where he then trekked through
the dense woods, while Kristen paddled back to the beach safely, where
they reunited; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Blue Mountain Fire Department and Indian
Lake Fire Department arrived and treated Matthew for the fishing lure
that had been embedded in his left underarm as well as for hypothermia;
and

WHEREAS, In her spontaneous and heroic actions, Kristen Cummins
demonstrated her 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 Kristen Cummins 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 Kristen Cummins.