Senate Resolution No. 1339

BY: Senator RITCHIE

COMMENDING CJ Gay 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 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 CJ Gay 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 the morning of Friday, August 13, 2021, CJ Gay was
babysitting at a neighbor's home on Willard Road in the Town of
Louisville, New York, when he discovered an electrical fire in the
basement; and

WHEREAS, As the heat and the smoke increased, CJ Gay responded
without hesitation or regard for his own safety, swiftly recognizing the
severity of this dangerous situation and calmly calling 911 before
waking up the three children in his care and safely evacuating them and
their family pets to a neighboring residence; and

WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, members of both the Louisville and
Massena Volunteer Fire Departments responded to the scene, located the
source of the fire and extinguished it; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, CJ Gay richly merits the
admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his
consummate, swift action in saving the lives of these three children,
their pets and the family's home; moreover, he should be meritoriously
commended for remaining calm under pressure and for showing valor and
true courage while performing a lifesaving deed; and

WHEREAS, CJ Gay, in his spontaneous and heroic act, has so aptly
demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of his 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 CJ Gay 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 CJ Gay.