Honor Lisa Sweeney Heroism

Senate Resolution No. 3122 BY: Senator LANZA COMMENDING Lisa Sweeney 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Lisa Sweeney 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, Lisa Sweeney has worked for the United States Postal Service for 30 years, the last 13 with the same mail route on Staten Island, where she has come to know her 410 customers not just by their face and name but also their daily routines; and WHEREAS, On August 7, 2017, while making her usual rounds, Lisa Sweeney felt something was not quite right at 87 year-old Marie Boyer's home in Westerleigh, New York; the octogenarian's mail had piled up and her trash cans were still out at the curb, days after garbage pickup, two chores Lisa knew the senior citizen did on a regular basis; and WHEREAS, After knocking on Marie Boyer's front door, and receiving no response, Lisa Sweeney decided to speak with neighbors; when they too had not seen her, the concerned mail carrier thought quickly and dialed

911; and WHEREAS, The NYPD entered the home and found Marie Boyer had slipped and fallen four days earlier and was lying helpless and alone on her bedroom floor; the swift and astute actions of Lisa Sweeney ultimately saved the life of the senior citizen; and WHEREAS, The petite senior, who was living alone at the time, was brought to the hospital where she was treated for severe dehydration; and WHEREAS, Marie Boyer has since recovered from her injuries and now resides at The Esplanade Luxury Senior Residences in Graniteville, New York; and WHEREAS, The two women, who have grown extremely close, call each other regularly; Marie Boyer believes Lisa Sweeney is a very special person, one who truly cares about others which is a rare quality; and WHEREAS, Marie Boyer, who recently celebrated her 87th Birthday with her new friend, will be spending Thanksgiving with both Lisa Sweeney and her 16 year-old son, Christopher; and WHEREAS, Lisa Sweeney 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 her community; and WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining her composure and her professional conduct, Lisa Sweeney demonstrated her true character and genuine compassion for the well-being 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; Lisa Sweeney 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 Lisa Sweeney 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 Lisa Sweeney.