LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Cullen Malzo 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 incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant 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 exemplary citizens who take prompt and
appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so, help others
to avert life-threatening danger; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Cullen Malzo
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 Thursday, November 10, 2016 Cullen Malzo, a graduate of
Lakeland High School, was on his way to a class at Westchester Community
College when he heard a loud crash; from his driveway he witnessed a car
swerve and then collide with a utility pole before plunging into Lake
Mahopac; and
WHEREAS, Without hesitation, 19-year-old Cullen Malzo called 911
before rushing to the scene and stopping a passing car to assist him;
closing in on the situation, Cullen and the other driver noticed a vehi-
cle flipped over in the lake, 20 to 30 feet from the shore; and
WHEREAS, Upon realizing the severity of what had happened, Cullen
Malzo shed his shoes and jacket, throwing his valuables on the shore,
and waded into the water; he found two young women in the submerged
vehicle and knew the time to save them was limited; and
WHEREAS, When Cullen Malzo reached for the driver's side door, he
noticed the broken glass and realized that the window glass had been
shattered; holding his breath, he went underwater to aid the first young
woman and lead her to safety; with steadfast determination, he went back
down under the water and successfully grabbed the second victim and led
her to safety; and
WHEREAS, By the time police officers and firefighters arrived, the two
young women were already safely out of the vehicle, due to the quick
thinking and astute actions of Cullen Malzo; and
WHEREAS, Praised by Carmel Police and recognized by the town of
Carmel, Cullen Malzo demonstrated his character and his compassion for
the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of his actions, the
collective concern of ordinary citizens across the community of the
State of New York who voluntarily respond when others are in need of
help; and
WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Cullen Malzo richly merits the
admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his consummate
courage and heroic actions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Cullen Malzo upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient
of the 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 Cullen Malzo.