Senate Resolution No. 260

BY: Senator SCARCELLA-SPANTON

COMMENDING Jose Cristales 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 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 Jose Cristales 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 morning of Thursday, September 12, 2024, off-duty
firefighter, Jose Cristales, was asleep at his home in Brighton Beach,
Brooklyn, New York, when he was awakened by the sound of screams; and

WHEREAS, Acting immediately, Jose Cristales descended the stairs of
his home and ran outside where he observed a woman who was trapped under
a wheel of the vehicle that struck her; and

WHEREAS, Instantly, the life-saving training Jose Cristales had
mastered came to his mind, and he was readily available to assist the
suffering victim; and

WHEREAS, Jose Cristales assessed the situation and ascertained the
need for bystanders to help him lift the vehicle so the woman could be
freed; however, fortunately, a bulldozer was nearby; and

WHEREAS, Alerting the construction crew members who were using the
powerful land-moving equipment, Jose Cristales orchestrated a plan to
hoist the vehicle; and

WHEREAS, With the woman no longer trapped, Jose Cristales was able
to move her to safety and perform CPR during which time the emergency
crews arrived; the victim, who had sustained life-threatening injuries,
was rushed to a hospital; and

WHEREAS, On Friday, September 13, 2024, Jose Cristales and his
fellow first responders were commended by the FDNY Commissioner; and

WHEREAS, Due to the noble and courageous actions of Jose Cristales,
a precious life was saved, and a seemingly dire situation had positive
results; he had exemplified FDNY's values--training, teamwork, and
heroism; and


WHEREAS, Jose Cristales, 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 need help; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Jose Cristales 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 Jose Cristales.