Honor Oliver Rein's Heroism

Senate Resolution No. 3150 BY: Senator PHILLIPS COMMENDING Oliver Rein 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Oliver Rein 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, On the rainy evening of August 12, 2017, 16-year-old Oliver Rein was walking with two friends at the corner of Middle Neck Road and Beach Road in the Old Village of Great Neck, New York, when he heard a car speeding down the street going south on Middle Neck Road; the vehicle veered left and ran into the divider, hit two poles, flew in the air, and then collided into a tree, whereupon it started to smoke and spark; and WHEREAS, The wrecked automobile landed about 10 feet from Oliver Rein and his friends; after recovering from a moment of shock and disbelief, Oliver's training for the past two years as a Junior Firefighter with the Great Neck Alert Volunteer Fire Company took over; knowing that the occupants of the car, if still alive, faced life-threatening danger, he quickly ran over to pry open the crushed driver's door; and WHEREAS, When Oliver Rein was finally able to force open the door, he saw a motionless young male driver covered in blood and shattered glass; Oliver ascertained that the victim was alive and immediately removed his seatbelt and extricated him from the car to safety on the sidewalk; and WHEREAS, Without regard for their own safety, Oliver Rein and his friend also helped the second passenger get out of the smoking car; and WHEREAS, Understanding the driver was in shock, Oliver Rein stayed with him in order to keep him alert and assess his injuries; he calmly spoke to him until medical help and emergency vehicles arrived; and WHEREAS, Oliver Rein should be regarded as a true hero; he has continually devoted himself to public service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining his composure and his professional conduct, Oliver Rein demonstrated his true character and genuine compassion for the well-being of others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Oliver Rein 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 Oliver Rein.