Honor Taneshia Turner for Heroism

Senate Resolution No. 2246 BY: Senator MAY COMMENDING Taneshia Turner 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 Taneshia Turner 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 September 22, 2019, Taneshia Turner was getting back into her vehicle outside a convenience store on the 700 block of Butternut Street in Syracuse, New York, when a young man ran by her car; she could hear him say he had been shot before collapsing in the street; and WHEREAS, Responding without regard for her own safety, Taneshia Turner quickly swung her car around to block off Josephine and Butternut Streets before running to the victim's side, removing her shirt and using it to apply pressure to his wound; she then dialed 911; and WHEREAS, Upon the arrival of emergency personnel, EMTs took over and loaded the 20-year old victim into an ambulance; he was taken to Upstate University Hospital where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries; and WHEREAS, While others ignored his pleas for help, Taneshia Turner aided this young man and remained by his side during his final moments; and WHEREAS, Taneshia Turner, 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 Taneshia Turner 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 Taneshia Turner.