Senate Resolution No. 1758

BY: Senator RHOADS

COMMENDING Carter Santelmo 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 lives of others; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Carter Santelmo 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 April 1, 2023, seven-year-old Carter Santelmo, of
Levittown, New York, his four-year-old brother, Maxwell, their mother,
aunt, and two cousins were enjoying recreation in a swimming pool while
on vacation in Florida; both mothers conscientiously supervised their
children, especially since there was no lifeguard present; and

WHEREAS, Although Carter Santelmo's mother was vigilant, her
attention was temporarily diverted; no one noticed that Maxwell Santelmo
removed his swim vest and jumped into the deep end of the pool; there
were no witnesses to the frightening battle for survival that was soon
followed by stillness; and

WHEREAS, It was Carter Santelmo, wearing goggles and swimming in the
deep end, who discovered his unconscious younger brother's body floating
in the water; without hesitation, he pulled his sibling to the wall of
the pool and cried out to his mother for help; and

WHEREAS, The small child was held upright until the rescue service
personnel arrived on the scene just a few minutes after being
dispatched; Carter Santelmo's brother was admitted to the Pediatric
Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for observation and discharged two days
later; there was no accurate determination of the amount of time the
little boy was submerged in the water; and

WHEREAS, For the expediency with which Carter Santelmo acted to save
his brother, the Northside Elementary School second-grade student
received a standing ovation from family members and loved ones in
attendance at the Levittown Board of Education's meeting; his bravery
was acknowledged throughout the school; for his quick thinking and
selfless deed, he now has the nickname "Captain" Carter; and

WHEREAS, There was even a post by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's
Office (PBSO), honoring this young hero's bravery and decisive action
with the Samaritan Award as part of the PBSO Annual Awards ceremony; and

WHEREAS, Carter Santelmo, 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 Carter Santelmo 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 Carter Santelmo.