Senate Resolution No. 532

BY: Senator RYAN

COMMENDING Jay Withey, Jr. 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 Jay Withey, Jr. 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 Friday, December 23, 2022, Jay Withey, Jr. found himself
among the scores of people trapped in their cars during the catastrophic
blizzard which buried Buffalo, New York in nearly 52 inches of snow,
leaving countless people stuck on snow-filled roadways as emergency
personnel were unable to push through extremely dangerous whiteout
conditions; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Jay Withey, Jr. began walking and
knocking on doors to find shelter but was understandably denied by
people who were fearful to let a stranger into their homes; returning to
his vehicle, he took a stranded woman and child in overnight, running
the vehicle on and off throughout the night for heat before running out
of gas; and

WHEREAS, With his vision and muscles becoming affected by the
extremely cold temperatures, Jay Withey, Jr., fearful for his life, once
again trudged through the snow desperate to find shelter; after breaking
into a nearby school for food and warmth, this selfless man went back
into the storm, searching for others; and

WHEREAS, A truly brave and courageous man, Jay Withey, Jr. gathered
two dozen people who were stranded in their cars and brought them back
to the school building where the group remained for 24-hours before
using snow blowers they found in the janitors closet to eventually free
their vehicles from the mounds of snow; and

WHEREAS, Jay Withey, Jr., a 27-year-old mechanic from Kenmore, New
York, played a vital role in this extraordinary rescue effort, and
should be praised by the people of this great Empire State for his
astute actions in preserving the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Jay Withey, Jr. richly merits
the admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his
consummate, swift actions in saving the lives of 24 people; moreover, he
should be meritoriously commended for remaining calm under pressure and
for showing valor and true courage while performing this lifesaving
deed; and

WHEREAS, Jay Withey, Jr. 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 Jay Withey, Jr. 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 Jay Withey, Jr.