LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jenna Fanelli 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 incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who made significant
contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of those exemplary citizens, who took
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so,
helped others to avert life-threatening danger; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jenna Fanelli
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, Twenty-three year-old Jenna Fanelli was attending a barbecue
at the JFK Marina in Yonkers, New York, on September 7, 2014, when she
heard that a five-year-old boy was struggling in the Hudson River; and
WHEREAS, Without thoughts of her own safety, certified lifeguard Jenna
Fanelli climbed over a fence along the bank, descended to the level of
the water, and bravely entered the swift-moving river; she quickly swam
to the boy who was being held by a fellow rescuer; and
WHEREAS, Seeing that the pair were struggling, Jenna Fanelli shouted
for the other rescuer to pass her the boy; she wrapped an arm around the
young boy's chest and used her free arm to swim toward the bank; and
WHEREAS, Although the current carried them farther up the river, Jenna
Fanelli was able to reach the shore where she and the boy were helped
out of the water; unfortunately, the other rescuer succumbed to the
raging river; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Pleasantville High School, Jenna Fanelli earned
her degree from Keene State College; today, she serves as a recreational
therapist at Andrus Children's Center in Yonkers; and
WHEREAS, For her courageous efforts, Jenna Fanelli was the recipient
of the Carnegie Medal Award, which recognizes those exceptional individ-
uals who risk their lives saving or attempting to save others; and
WHEREAS, Jenna Fanelli through her spontaneous and heroic actions,
demonstrated her character and her compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of her actions, the collective concern of ordi-
nary citizens across the community of the State of New York who volun-
tarily responded when others were in need of help; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jenna Fanelli 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 tran-
smitted to Jenna Fanelli.