Senate Resolution No. 1722

BY: Senator THOMAS

COMMENDING Robert Shuford 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 Robert Shuford 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, Robert Shuford, a longtime resident of Hempstead, New York,
and a dedicated fixture in the community, embarked on his career journey
with Stop & Shop on September 30, 2001; and

WHEREAS, From the outset, Robert Shuford exhibited an unparalleled
work ethic, earning the role of night crew chief through his assiduous
dedication to excellence; his commitment to doing his best in every
endeavor foreshadowed the extraordinary heroism he would display on May
25, 2023, a day that would etch his name into the annals of local lore;
and

WHEREAS, On that fateful day, as Robert Shuford prepared to open
Stop & Shop, a sudden and ominous sound shattered the tranquility;
without hesitation, he followed the clamor to its source and was
confronted with a scene of chaos - an overturned semi-truck emanating
billows of black smoke; and

WHEREAS, Responding without hesitation, Robert Shuford,
unflinchingly pressed forward; undeterred by the potential peril, he
approached the scene, his focus unwavering; and

WHEREAS, Despite the risks, he chose to prioritize aiding those
affected by the accident, as he drew closer to the overturned truck, he
discovered the injured driver and promptly offered his assistance; and

WHEREAS, His selfless actions did not go unnoticed, and Robert
Shuford was rightfully recognized as a local hero by Nassau County
Executive Bruce Blakeman; to honor his valor, June 15, 2023, was
declared Robert Shuford Day, a testament to his courage and community
spirit; and

WHEREAS, Beyond his heroic feat, Robert Shuford is deeply ingrained
in the fabric of the Hempstead community; he actively contributes to the
welfare of his community through his involvement with the organization,
"All the Way 100 percent"; this commitment to community well-being
exemplifies Robert's dedication to making Hempstead a better place for
all; and

WHEREAS, In his personal life, Robert Shuford finds joy and
fulfillment in his role as a devoted husband, happily married to his
wife Tina, together they navigate life's journey with shared values and
a commitment to the well-being of each other and their community; and

WHEREAS, Robert Shuford's story is not merely one of professional
success and heroic deeds but a testament to the enduring power of
community, compassion, and the profound impact one individual can have
on the lives of those around them; and

WHEREAS, Robert Shuford, 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 are in need of
help; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Robert Shuford 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 Robert Shuford.