Senate Resolution No. 5942

BY: Senator LANZA

COMMENDING Dr. Theodore Strange 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
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Dr.
Theodore Strange 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 Sunday, November 4, 2018, Dr. Theodore Strange was
running his 25th New York City Marathon in Central Park when he heard a
voice screaming for help on 1st Avenue at mile 16; after sprinting
towards the voice, he found an unconscious woman who was turning blue
and did not have a pulse; and

WHEREAS, Sacrificing his own performance in the marathon, Dr.
Theodore Strange immediately began administering CPR and called out for
a defibrillator, which the NYPD and EMS personnel quickly delivered; the
initial three shocks elicited no response, but by the fourth
defibrillation, she was breathing on her own; and

WHEREAS, The woman, who remained unconscious, was transported to New
York-Presbyterian Weill Medical Center where a blood clot was located in
her left anterior descending artery and she has since been given a stent
in her heart; the selfless and fast actions of Dr. Theodore Strange
truly saved her life; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Theodore Strange serves as the Vice President of
Medical Operations/South Site and Associate Chairman of Medicine at
Staten Island University Hospital; he received his medical degree from
SUNY Downstate and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Staten
Island University in 1989; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Valerie, and their
four children, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice in
his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Theodore Strange should be regarded as a true hero; he
has continually devoted himself to public service, demonstrating great
courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the
citizens of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Dr. Theodore
Strange is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, Through his spontaneous and heroic actions, Dr. Theodore
Strange 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 New York State who
voluntarily respond without the thought of danger or reward when others
are in need; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Theodore Strange 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 Dr. Theodore Strange.