Honor Manny Grella's Heroism

Senate Resolution No. 2692 BY: Senator GAUGHRAN COMMENDING Manny Grella 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 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 Manny Grella 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, Manny Grella, a resident of Glen Cove, New York, was driving home on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, when he heard a woman's cries for help at the corner of Elm Avenue and Rellim Drive and noticed a vehicle had crashed through his neighbor's fence; and WHEREAS, The 73 year-old driver had gotten into an accident at the intersection and continued to accelerate, driving through a bush and fence and into a pool; and WHEREAS, Responding without hesitation, Manny Grella jumped into the water and helped navigate the victim from the front seat to the back seat, pulling her from the submerged vehicle to safety; shortly thereafter, police and emergency responders arrived at the scene and the woman was taken to a nearby hospital where she was treated for minor injuries; and WHEREAS, Had it not been for Manny Grella's courage and determination, this perilous situation could have been much worse; he took action without regard for his own safety, which so aptly demonstrates his character and compassion for the safety and welfare of others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Manny Grella 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 Manny Grella.