Honor Cassandra L. Butzer

Senate Resolution No. 2397 BY: Senator JACOBS HONORING Cassandra L. Butzer 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the caring concern and heroic acts of exemplary citizens who take prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so, help others to avert life-threatening danger; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Cassandra L. Butzer 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 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, At 10:10 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, 18-year-old Cassandra L. Butzer was driving in her car when she noticed flames coming from a home on Elmwood Park North in Tonawanda, New York; and WHEREAS, Cassandra L. Butzer immediately pulled over and ran up to the burning house; she pounded on the front door, alerting the homeowner, who was home alone at the time; and WHEREAS, Fortunately, the City of Tonawanda Fire Department was able to contain the blaze mainly to an exterior porch, although the house sustained significant smoke damage; and WHEREAS, If not for Cassandra L. Butzer's alertness and willingness to stop and help, the fire could have harmed the resident and completely destroyed the home; and WHEREAS, Praised for her swift actions, Cassandra L. Butzer demonstrated her true character and genuine compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of their actions, the collective concern of ordinary citizens across the community of the State of New York who voluntarily respond when others are in need; and WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Cassandra L. Butzer richly merits the admiration of this Legislative Body and her community for her consummate courage and heroic actions; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Cassandra L. Butzer 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 copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Cassandra L. Butzer.