Senate Resolution No. 1345

BY: Senator SAVINO

COMMENDING Michael Arvanites 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 Michael Arvanites 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 Saturday, June 19, 2021, Michael
Arvanites stopped at the election polls at Staten Island Technical High
School where he was working as a troubleshooter during early voting for
the 2021 primary elections when he was alerted by the site coordinator
that a co-worker collapsed; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Michael Arvanites ran over to the
78-year-old man, who was suffering from cardiac arrest, and immediately
began administering hand-only CPR; and

WHEREAS, Michael Arvanites resuscitated the victim before
firefighters took over; he was transported by ambulance to Staten Island
University Hospital where he received emergency treatment and underwent
coronary bypass and aortic valve replacement surgery; he is doing well
and is expected to make a full recovery; and

WHEREAS, A native Staten Islander, Michael Arvanites, 45, was raised
along with his brother and sister in the quite neighborhood of
Westerleigh, where he learned CPR as an Eagle Scout in Troop 26; he
graduated from Susan Wagner High School in 1994, and the State
University of New York at Cortland in 1998; and

WHEREAS, After a long and distinguished career in public service,
Michael Arvanites currently works to ensure people's right to vote as an
Elections Surveyor for the NYC Board of Elections; a man of great faith,
he is also an active member of Holy Trinity St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox
Church; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Michael Arvanites richly
merits the admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his
consummate, swift action in saving the life of this renowned and beloved
poll worker; and


WHEREAS, Moreover, Michael Arvanites should be meritoriously
commended for remaining calm under pressure and for showing valor and
true courage while performing a lifesaving deed; and

WHEREAS, Michael Arvanites, 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 Michael Arvanites 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 Michael Arvanites.