Senate Resolution No. 303

BY: Senator KENNEDY

HONORING the members of the Buffalo Bills Training
and Medical Staff for their immediate and heroic
actions in saving the life of Buffalo Bills safety
Damar Hamlin

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals within the State of New York who, in the course of
their jobs, perform acts of heroic dimension; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
the members of the Buffalo Bills Training and Medical Staff for their
immediate and heroic actions in saving the life of Buffalo Bills safety
Damar Hamlin; and

WHEREAS, On Monday, January 2, 2023, during the primetime NFL Week
17 match-up between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals,
24-year-old Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest
after making a routine tackle within the first nine minutes of the
game's first quarter; and

WHEREAS, Damar Hamlin's heartbeat was restored on the field at
Paycor Stadium after Buffalo Bills' Training and Medical Staff, most
notably Assistant Athletic Trainer Denny Kellington, spent several
minutes administering CPR surrounded by players from both organizations
who circled together and knelt in prayer; and

WHEREAS, With his fight captivating the world, Damar Hamlin spent
most of the days following his collapse on a ventilator in critical
condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center while the NFL
world, the sports world, and all of humanity came together in support of
No. 3; and

WHEREAS, Damar Hamlin's recovery continues to trend in a positive
direction; his ventilator was removed, his neurologic function remains
intact, and he has since been released from the hospital and returned to
his beloved community of Buffalo, New York, all thanks to the
preparedness and expertise of this extraordinary Buffalo Bills care
team; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as heroes, the training and medical staff
of the Buffalo Bills richly merit the admiration of this Legislative
Body and the Buffalo community for their consummate, swift action in
saving the life of this young man; and

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

WHEREAS, In the performance of their duties, the remarkable members
of the Buffalo Bills Training and Medical Staff demonstrated their
character as well as their compassion for the welfare of their team;
they truly are tremendous assets to the Buffalo Bills organization; and


WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when an act
of such heroism is brought to our official attention, the same should be
memorialized for the edification and emulation of all; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the members of the Buffalo Bills Training and Medical Staff for
their immediate and heroic actions in saving the life of Buffalo Bills
safety Damar Hamlin; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Buffalo Bills training and medical
staff: Nate Breske, Head Athletic Trainer; Denny Kellington, Assistant
Athletic Trainer; Joe Micca, Physical Therapist; Tabani Richards,
Assistant Athletic Trainer; Dr. Leslie Bisson, Medical Director; Dr. Tom
White, Team Internist; Dr. Mark Kim, Team Internist; Dr. Marc Fineberg,
Team Orthopedist; Joe Collins, Director of Sports Performance; Dr.
Desaree Festa, Team Sport Psychologist; Marissa Figueroa, Athletic
Training Intern; Dr. Zachary Musial, Team Chiropractor; Kelsey Harkins,
Coordinator of Player Services; and Kori Reblin, Equipment Assistant.