Honor Sylvia Collins' Heroism

Senate Resolution No. 1304 BY: Senator KENNEDY COMMENDING Sylvia Collins 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 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, 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 commend Sylvia Collins 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, On Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at approximately 2 a.m., Uber driver Sylvia Collins turned off the app in her car and prepared to make her last trip of the night on Main Street in Buffalo, New York, when she saw a two year old child wandering the street alone; and WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Sylvia Collins placed the toddler in her car, put her coat on him, and fastened him into a seatbelt before driving him to Oishei Children's Hospital; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Collins, a 33-year old mother of two, stayed with the child, who was completely unharmed, until 6 a.m. while authorities from the Buffalo Police Department were locating his family; and WHEREAS, Had it not been for Sylvia Collins' quick thinking, this perilous situation could have been much worse; she took action without regard for herself, and is credited with saving the life of this little boy; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Collins, in her spontaneous and heroic act, has so aptly demonstrated her character and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of her action, the collective concern of ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily respond without thought of danger or reward when others are in need of help; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Sylvia Collins 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 Sylvia Collins.