Honor for Heroic Custodian

Senate Resolution No. 1290 BY: Senator LARKIN COMMENDING Tommy Boyd 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 incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Tommy Boyd upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and WHEREAS, Recently, during a normal second grade lunch period at Horizons-on-the-Hudson Magnet School in Newburgh, New York, a student was eating his lunch when he suddenly stopped speaking and appeared distressed; fortunately, Head Custodian Tommy Boyd was nearby and immediately recognized the child could not breathe; and WHEREAS, Tommy Boyd quickly delivered the Heimlich maneuver to the boy, and with his efforts, a large piece of food was ejected from the child's throat, allowing him to breathe naturally; and WHEREAS, This is not the first time Tommy Boyd has performed this lifesaving action; in 2014, he also saved a student at Gardnertown Fundamental Magnet School; and WHEREAS, Tommy Boyd should be meritoriously commended for remaining calm under pressure and for showing valor and true courage while performing a lifesaving deed; and WHEREAS, Through his spontaneous and heroic actions, Tommy Boyd demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily respond without the thought of reward when others are in need of help; and WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication, command the respect and admiration of their community for their exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Tommy Boyd is one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Tommy Boyd 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 Tommy Boyd.