LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Riley Dejong in recognition of her
heroic actions in helping rescue passengers after the derailment of a
Metro-North commuter train

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take prompt and appro-
priate action in emergency situations; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Riley Dejong in recognition of her heroic actions in helping rescue
passengers after the derailment of a Metro-North commuter train; and
WHEREAS, To observe her courageous efforts, the Lewisboro Volunteer
Ambulance Corps, Cross River, New York, will pay just tribute to
19-year-old Riley Dejong at its Annual Awards Ceremony to be held
Sunday, April 19, 2015; and
WHEREAS, On Tuesday, February 3, 2015, a Metro-North train departed
from Grand Central Terminal carrying 650 commuters; shortly before
7:00pm, the commuter train approached a railroad crossing with an SUV
stopped on the tracks; and
WHEREAS, Unable to brake in time, the Metro-North train collided with
the SUV, prompting a fiery collision, which resulted in the deadliest
crash in Metro-North Railroad's 32-year history; and
WHEREAS, Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps Crew Chief/EMT Riley
Dejong happened to be a passenger on the train that dreadful day; she
was on her way home from CUNY Hunter College in Manhattan, where she is
pursuing a degree in Nursing; and
WHEREAS, Responding without hesitation, Riley Dejong remained on the
scene after the crash and proceeded to save the life of a fellow passen-
ger who was on fire; in addition, she dragged multiple other passengers
to safety; and
WHEREAS, When one of the responding ambulances was short a Crew Chief,
Riley Dejong volunteered to take charge; she provided vital care to
patients while being transported by ambulance to Westchester County
Medical Center; and
WHEREAS, In addition to volunteering her time as an EMT with the
Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Riley Dejong is a Certified Interi-
or Firefighter with the Bedford Hills Volunteer Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Had it not been for Riley Dejong's courage and determination,
this perilous situation could have been much worse; she took action
without regard for her own safety, which so aptly demonstrates her char-
acter and compassion for the safety and welfare of others; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Riley Dejong in recognition of her heroic actions in helping
rescue passengers after the derailment of a Metro-North commuter train;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Riley Dejong.