Senate Resolution No. 1429

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMENDING Marcus Burley upon the occasion of his
designation as a 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 Marcus Burley 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 the evening of August 28, 2023, a Feel Rite Fresh Market
employee and Buffalo native, Marcus Burley, was in the grocery store's
backroom, when a female coworker was having lunch in the room; suddenly,
the woman began to have a coughing fit and he began to ask her
repeatedly if she was okay, and she answered yes, when she evidently was
struggling to breathe; and

WHEREAS, As the individual in danger started to tear up, Marcus
Burley reacted quickly and began to perform the Heimlich maneuver; he
performed multiple attempts, and on the third try of the Heimlich being
performed by Marcus Burley, the female coworker was finally freed from
the life-threatening situation; and

WHEREAS, The incident spanning no more than 10 to 15 minutes, the
act of selflessness and bravery from Marcus Burley has resulted in an
increased camaraderie among the Feel Rite employees; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Marcus Burley richly merits
the admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his
consummate, swift action in rushing to the life-saving aid of his fellow
co-worker; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, Marcus Burley should be meritoriously commended
for remaining calm under pressure and for showing valor and true courage
while performing a lifesaving deed; and

WHEREAS, Marcus Burley, in his spontaneous and heroic act, has so
aptly demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of
others, personifying, by virtue of his 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 need help; now,
therefore, be it


RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Marcus Burley upon the occasion of his designation as a
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 Marcus Burley.