Senate Resolution No. 628

BY: Senator RITCHIE

COMMENDING five employees of the St. Lawrence
Seaway upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients 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 to respond when others are in need of help; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend five employees of the St. Lawrence Seaway upon the occasion of
their designation as recipients 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 57 year-old Quebec man was working on the Spruceglen, a
Canadian bulk carrier, attempting to tie the ship off when he fell into
the St. Lawrence River at Eisenhower Locks; and

WHEREAS, The five heroic employees of the St. Lawrence Seaway who
were working at the time of the accident include: Nicholas Hallada from
Brasher, New York, and Jeremy Buffham, Keith Benham, Matthew Cole, and
Kevin Smith, all of whom reside in Massena, New York; and

WHEREAS, Responding without hesitation and disregarding their own
personal safety, Nicholas Hallada and Jeremy Buffham jumped into the
river in a valiant and selfless attempt to save the drowning victim;
unfortunately, the man succumbed to the frigid water; and

WHEREAS, Nicholas Hallada and Jeremy Buffham were later taken to
Massena Memorial Hospital to be treated for hypothermia; the five brave
and courageous men all played a vital role in the rescue efforts, and
should be praised by the people of this great Empire State for their
astute actions in attempting to preserve the life of another; and

WHEREAS, Nicholas Hallada, Jeremy Buffham, Keith Benham, Matthew
Cole, and Kevin Smith, in their spontaneous and heroic act, have so
aptly demonstrated their character and compassion for the welfare of
others, personifying, by virtue of their 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 five employees of the St. Lawrence Seaway upon the occasion of
their designation as recipients of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor

bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nicholas Hallada, Jeremy Buffham, Keith Benham, Matthew
Cole, and Kevin Smith.