Honor Liberty Medal Hero

Senate Resolution No. 3493 BY: Senator HELMING COMMENDING Patrick Rutherford 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 honor Patrick Rutherford 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 Thursday, November 9, 2017, a vehicle traveling westbound struck a propane truck from behind as it was parked in front of a residence on Armington Road; and WHEREAS, Patrick Rutherford, the propane employee from Farmington, New York, was filling tanks in the back of the residence when the crash occurred; and WHEREAS, Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Patrick Rutherford ran to the passenger car, fully engulfed in flames, and pulled the driver across the street to safety just before the car exploded, inevitably saving her life; and WHEREAS, Thanks to the heroic efforts of Patrick Rutherford, the victim of the crash was treated by the Finger Lakes Ambulance and the Citizens Hose Company before being airlifted to Strong Hospital where she remains with her family by her side; and WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining his composure, Patrick Rutherford demonstrated his 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; Patrick Rutherford 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 Patrick Rutherford 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 Patrick Rutherford.