Senate Resolution No. 2375

BY: Senator ORTT

COMMENDING Kyle Stevener 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 Kyle Stevener 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, Kyle Stevener, assistant chief of the North Tonawanda Fire
Department and a certified paramedic, was headed home from the Erie
County Fair with his family when he noticed a vehicle stopped along
River Road in North Tonawanda; and

WHEREAS, Upon seeing a person lying in the roadway, Kyle Stevener
swung his own vehicle around, aimed his headlights toward the victim,
and got out to help; and

WHEREAS, A 12-year-old girl had been struck by a car moments earlier
and had appeared to have been thrown from the crosswalk by the impact
while attempting to cross River Road in the crosswalk at Ward Road in
North Tonawanda, New York; and

WHEREAS, Having already used his radio to contact dispatch while
other bystanders called 911, Kyle Stevener checked her airway, breathing
and circulation, then positioned her head to protect her cervical spine
while waiting for emergency crews; and

WHEREAS, A fire engine was on the scene within two minutes of Kyle
Stevener's call, and police and an ambulance weren't far behind; the
arriving firefighters helped stabilize the girl before she was taken by
ambulance to the hospital; and

WHEREAS, Though she suffered serious injuries and is being treated
at the pediatric intensive care unit at Golisano Children's Hospital of
Buffalo, New York, the 12-year-old girl is expected to make a full
recovery, though rehabilitation could be lengthy, thanks to Kyle
Stevener's quick thinking, training and 19 years of experience as a
first responder; and

WHEREAS, In his spontaneous and heroic actions, Kyle Stevener
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 Kyle Stevener 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 Kyle Stevener.