Senate Resolution No. 2171

BY: Senator MAY

COMMENDING Clifford Ryan 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 custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those individuals within the Empire State who have made
strong contributions to their communities and who inspire others through
their model citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Clifford Ryan has given not only of his time and energies
but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Clifford
Ryan 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, A father, grandfather, and United States Army veteran,
Clifford Ryan has demonstrated countless feats of heroism and is a true
pillar in his community of Syracuse, New York; and

WHEREAS, After the untimely death of his 17-year-old son, Duriel, to
gun violence in 1999, Clifford Ryan responded to this tragedy with hope;
he immediately began to speak out against violence to prevent others
from losing a child as he did; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, Clifford Ryan created OG's Against Violence, an
organization dedicated to supporting other anti-violence and
anti-poverty organizations in the community, as well as reaching out to
those perpetuating the violence; and

WHEREAS, Driven by love and optimism, Clifford Ryan spends 10-12
hours each day walking through neighborhoods where violence has occurred
and speaking to members of the community to develop conflict resolution
strategies; and

WHEREAS, In addition, he attends vigils and memorials for victims of
violence and speaks at schools and youth programs to tell his story; and

WHEREAS, Since the inception of this vital organization, Clifford
Ryan has intervened to prevent 42 shootings and stopped more than 300
fights, putting his own safety at risk each time; and

WHEREAS, Through this steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Clifford Ryan continues to earn the respect and admiration of
the residents of Syracuse and its surrounding communities; and


WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Clifford Ryan has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Clifford Ryan 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 Clifford Ryan.