Senate Resolution No. 2897

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMENDING Mo Sumbundu and Tearah Massenburg 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 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 Mo Sumbundu and Tearah Massenburg 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 Buffalo community came together on Sunday, May 29, 2022,
at Canisius College to celebrate the life of Zaire Goodman, a local
21-year-old who miraculously survived the shootings at Tops Market which
claimed 10 lives; and

WHEREAS, During the event, partygoers suddenly began yelling for
help after a 61-year-old guest went into cardiac arrest; and

WHEREAS, Mo Sumbundu and Tearah Massenburg, who were both attending
the celebration, came to the aid of the victim who was on the floor,
face down and unconscious; and

WHEREAS, After confirming the woman was without a pulse, Mo Sumbundu
and Tearah Massenburg immediately began a rhythmic series of chest
compressions, yet gained no response; realizing a defibrillator's
electric shock was now desperately needed, the duo shouted for help all
while continuing CPR; and

WHEREAS, A defibrillator was then retrieved, during which time Mo
Sumbundu and Tearah Massenburg shocked their patient twice, keeping her
going until an emergency squad from the Buffalo Fire Department arrived;
and

WHEREAS, Thanks to the selfless response of Mo Sumbundu and Tearah
Massenburg, the female victim has moved out of intensive care at Buffalo
General Medical Center and is making progress in the hospital's
cardiovascular unit; and

WHEREAS, Two truly brave and courageous men, Mo Sumbundu and Tearah
Massenburg played a vital role in this extraordinary rescue effort, and
should be praised by the people of this great Empire State for their
astute actions in preserving the life of another; and


WHEREAS, Moreover, Mo Sumbundu and Tearah Massenburg should be
meritoriously commended for remaining calm under pressure and for
showing valor and true courage while performing a lifesaving deed; and

WHEREAS, Mo Sumbundu and Tearah Massenburg, in their spontaneous and
heroic acts, have so aptly demonstrated their character and compassion
for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of their actions, 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 Mo Sumbundu and Tearah Massenburg 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 Mo Sumbundu and Tearah Massenburg.