Senator Baskin Awards Liberty Medal to Sarah Brown, Buffalo Resident Who Saved Stricken Motorist's Life

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Contact: Brenda Alesii, Communications Director, 716-861-7288 (mobile)

Senator Baskin Bestows Liberty Medal, Highest Civilian Award in NY State
Buffalo Woman Witnesses Crash, Saves Stricken Driver by Performing CPR

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY – State Senator April N.M. Baskin presented Buffalo resident Sarah Brown with the Liberty Medal, the highest honor awarded to a civilian in New York State. Last March, Brown was on her way to pick up her daughter from daycare when she noticed a traffic jam and people calling for help. Blaine Russell-Webster suffered sudden cardiac death, lost consciousness, and flipped his work vehicle at the corner of Pine Ridge Heritage Boulevard and East Delavan Avenue. Brown sprang into action, performed CPR for several minutes, and saved the Amherst man’s life.

An aide at Bennett High School, Brown was certified in CPR and had taken a refresher course a few months prior to the incident. Today, Russell-Webster is doing well and has returned to work. 

Joined by Cheektowaga Supervisor Brian Nowak, American Heart Association and American Red Cross representatives, Russell-Webster and his family, and a large contingent of Brown’s family, Senator Baskin presented Brown with the award at the site of the accident in Cheektowaga.

State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, “Sarah Brown personifies the character and helping spirit that saved a man’s life and earned her this distinction. While others watched or were unsure of what to do, Sarah’s actions were quick and decisive, allowing Blaine to have many more years with his family and friends. Sarah is the definition of a hero.”

Nick Bond, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross Western New York region said, "Emergency preparedness training has been a hallmark of the American Red Cross mission for more than 140 years. Sarah Brown's confidence and skill in the face of an emergency not only helped to save a life that day but it highlights the importance and impact First Aid, CPR and AED training can have. Last year, the Red Cross of Western New York trained more than 53,000 individuals in these lifesaving skills and together, thanks to Senator Baskin’s tireless efforts on behalf of our community including Desha’s Law, we know that many more will be prepared for the moments that matter, just like Sarah Brown.”

Tom Lowe, American Heart Association Community Impact Director, Buffalo/Rochester said, “Saving lives from sudden cardiac arrest depends on a strong chain of survival starting with immediate CPR. We commend Sarah Brown for her quick action and thank Senator Baskin for honoring this lifesaver and championing CPR education and awareness through Desha’s Law.”

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