Honor Firefighter Ben Cramer

Senate Resolution No. 3564 BY: Senator HELMING COMMENDING Firefighter Ben Cramer 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, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery every day in the course of their duties; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of another; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Firefighter Ben Cramer 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 Saturday, January 6, 2018, Canandaigua Firefighter Ben Cramer responded to reports of a structure fire with people trapped; and WHEREAS, Upon arriving on the scene, Firefighter Ben Cramer observed thick black smoke pouring from an apartment at Camelot Court; and WHEREAS, Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Firefighter Ben Cramer, who couldn't see anything, crawled through the apartment feeling around for the victim, a quadriplegic who requires a motorized wheelchair; and WHEREAS, This brave firefighter was able to locate both the woman and her dog within two minutes of searching the smoke filled home, carrying them both out the window to safety; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, immediately after the rescue, Firefighter Ben Cramer remarkably began to extinguish the fire as no other firefighters had yet arrived on the scene; and WHEREAS, Firefighter Ben Cramer 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, Firefighter Ben Cramer 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; Firefighter Ben Cramer is one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations while in the course of performing their job duties, nobly risking their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of another; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Firefighter Ben Cramer 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 Firefighter Ben Cramer.