Senate Resolution No. 1278

BY: Senator MAY

COMMENDING Kaley Taggart 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 Kaley Taggart 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, On the evening of Friday, July 9, 2021, Kaley Taggart, a
native of Syracuse, was driving when she happened upon a woman standing
on the outside ledge of the overpass bridge on Route 481 in the Town of
Clay, New York; and

WHEREAS, Responding without hesitation or regard for her own safety,
Kaley Taggart immediately whipped her car around, pulled the emergency
brake in the middle of the road and ran straight to the 27-year-old
woman who was attempting to jump; and

WHEREAS, A truly brave and courageous woman, Kaley Taggart was able
to talk the woman down from the bridge; she played a vital role in this
extraordinary rescue effort, and should be praised by the people of this
great Empire State for her astute actions in attempting to preserve the
life of another; and

WHEREAS, Kaley Taggart, 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 Kaley Taggart 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 Kaley Taggart.