Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) awarded the New York State Senate Liberty Medal to Brody Kaufman, a student at Clarence High School, credited with saving a man from drowning while on vacation in Florida. The medal presentation took place at Harris Hill Volunteer Fire Co., where Kaufman is also a junior volunteer firefighter.

Back in April, Kaufman was on vacation in the Florida Keys with his family when he noticed a kayaker had flipped over in the water and was being swept away by a powerful current. With the help of others, Kaufman used ropes from a nearby fisherman to secure the kayaker and drag him to safety. Once on shore, emergency crews arrived to treat the man.

“Brody’s quick and selfless actions were nothing short of heroic,” Senator Gallivan said.  “His willingness to help others prevented what could have been a real tragedy. I thank Brody for his bravery and leadership. I am proud to recognize him for his actions.”

Kaufman credited his firefighting training for knowing what to do and how to respond in an emergency.   

The Liberty Medal is one of the highest civilian honors that a New York resident can receive and is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers

                                                                                              -30-