Honor Gray Davis Heroism

Senate Resolution No. 3069 BY: Senator HOYLMAN HONORING Gray Davis 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, 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Gray Davis 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 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, After a 58-year-old man fell onto subway tracks Saturday,

June 3, 2017, in Manhattan, Gray Davis, a ballet dancer who had just watched his wife perform with American Ballet Theater at the Metropolitan Opera House, leapt down after him and moved him to safety; and WHEREAS, The incident took place at approximately 11:20 p.m. on the tracks at the 72nd Street Broadway-Seventh Avenue station, where this brave good Samaritan immediately took action without hesitation or regard for his own safety, hoisting the unconscious man to the platform all amidst the sound of a train nearing the station; and WHEREAS, Gray Davis' actions display a remarkable sense of selflessness, courage, and heroism in this remarkable act; and WHEREAS, Originally from Greenwood, South Carolina, Gray Davis, 31, studied at the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities; he has been part of American Ballet Theater's corps de ballet since 2007, and has performed in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and many other ballets; and WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining his composure, Gray Davis demonstrated his true character and genuine compassion for the welfare of others; and WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Cassandra, who has shown him unwavering love and support and rejoices in his achievements; 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; Gray Davis is one such individual; and WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Gray Davis richly merits the admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his consummate courage and heroic actions; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Gray Davis 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 Gray Davis.