Senate Resolution No. 2781

BY: Senator ORTT

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Selina Iozzo 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 the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of another; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Selina Iozzo 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, At approximately 4:40 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2019,
crew mate Selina Iozzo and Captain Lloyd Schrack of Niagara Jet
Adventures were providing 23 tourists with a ride through the Niagara
River when he noticed an overturned personal watercraft just south of
the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge; and

WHEREAS, Responding without hesitation, the Captain circled the jet
ski three times, hoping to spot the driver, but unfortunately, he was
unsuccessful; he decided to follow the current downstream, and after
spotting the struggling man, Selina Iozzo immediately went into man
overboard training mode, and climbed onto the boat's platform so she
could reach him with a rescue hook; and

WHEREAS, Fortunately, the man had just enough strength to grab the
hook and pull himself onto the boat, where he was treated for shock and
hypothermia; due to the astute actions of Selina Iozzo and the Captain,
he was saved from certain peril; and

WHEREAS, Selina Iozzo, in her spontaneous and heroic act, has so
aptly demonstrated her character and compassion for the welfare of
others, personifying, by virtue of her action, the collective concern of
ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily
respond without thought of danger or reward when others are in need of
help; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Selina Iozzo 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
transmitted to Selina Iozzo.