Honor 911 Dispatcher Hero

Senate Resolution No. 1793 BY: Senator LARKIN COMMENDING Courtney Starace upon the occasion of her 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 Courtney Starace, a 911 Dispatcher with the Orange County Emergency Services, upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and WHEREAS, This heroic woman was recognized in front of a capacity crowd during County Executive, Steve Neuhaus' State of the County Address on Thursday, April 6, 2017; prior to the event, Courtney Starace had an emotional reunion with the parents and held the tiny baby which she helped save on that fateful day in March; and WHEREAS, At approximately 8:00 a.m. on Friday, March 10, 2017, Courtney Starace received a frantic call from a young mother informing her that her baby was not breathing; and WHEREAS, Immediately, Courtney Starace sent an ambulance to the home, and then kept the mother calm as she instructed her how to administer CPR on the baby; due to his mother's tireless efforts and Courtney's skillful and precise directions, the baby boy began breathing as the Warwick Community Ambulance Service, Inc. arrived to the residence; and WHEREAS, At that time, a first responder took over and continued treatment; the baby was transported to St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick, and later transferred to The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey; after three days, he went home, happy and healthy; and WHEREAS, Courtney Starace began her career as a 911 dispatcher with Orange County in August of 2016; prior to this position, she served as an EMT for nine years; and WHEREAS, Courtney Starace should be regarded as a true hero; she has continually devoted herself to public service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining her composure and her professional conduct, Courtney Starace demonstrated her true character and genuine compassion for the welfare of others; 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; Courtney Starace is one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those dedicated public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the preservation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due full praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Courtney Starace upon the occasion of her 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 Courtney Starace.