Senate Resolution No. 2716

BY: Senator HELMING

COMMENDING Wendy Boyer 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 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 Wendy Boyer 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, A former substitute school bus driver, Wendy Boyer has been
employed since March 21, 2022, as a Teacher Aide in a special-needs
classroom at Middlesex Valley School in the Marcus Whitman Central
School District; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Canandaigua, New York, Wendy Boyer engaged in
a heroic act to save a student's life; her duties in the classroom
included assisting students with opening food items' packaging as well
as separating trash and recyclable items; and

WHEREAS, On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Wendy Boyer was serving as
cafeteria support during lunchtime; always concerned for the students'
safety and well-being, she was alerted to a child who was choking; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Wendy Boyer attempted to communicate
with the child; assessing the situation, she utilized her training in
basic first aid to dislodge the food caught in the student's throat,
performing two abdominal thrusts (formerly known as the Heimlich
Maneuver); and

WHEREAS, Wendy Boyer's courage and immediate response halted the
child's choking and prevented a potentially tragic event; although she
is not officially certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR), she attended a Good Samaritan course to learn
life-saving measures; and

WHEREAS, A quiet and humble person, Wendy Boyer enjoys crafting and
working with individuals who would benefit from the assistance of
someone with a caring and driven attitude; she is an advocate for those
who may not be able to do so for themselves or have the resources or
family and friends for support; and

WHEREAS, Familiar with her willingness to support anyone in need,
Wendy Boyer's colleagues were not surprised by her immediate response to
an emergency or her possession of the skillset and bravery to save a
student's life; and

WHEREAS, Due to Wendy Boyer's noble and courageous actions, a
precious life was saved, and a seemingly dire situation had positive
results; this humble hero's intervention is a reminder of the profound
impact which kindness and preparedness can have not only in our schools
but also in our communities; and

WHEREAS, Wendy Boyer, 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 need help; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Wendy Boyer 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 Wendy Boyer.