Assembly Resolution No. 37

BY: M. of A. Bologna

COMMENDING Liam Hedley and Hunter Marcello upon
the occasion of their designation as recipients 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 Liam Hedley and Hunter Marcello upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients 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 July 3, 2024, Newfane Middle School eighth-grade
students Liam Hedley and Hunter Marcello were at the Town of Newfane
Marina where they had been fishing and inspecting the upcoming fireworks
display when they noticed an overturned kayak and a woman in the water
waving her arms for help; and

WHEREAS, These two courageous boys acted swiftly and ran to a nearby
business, Hedley Boat Company, where they recruited the help of Liam
Hedley's father, the owner of the company, and the three of them quickly
loaded a dinghy into the water to rush to aid the woman in need; and

WHEREAS, The woman was rescued by these three heroes, being pulled
up into the boat and rowed to shore where emergency medical personnel
were waiting to begin their assessment, treatment, and transport to a
nearby hospital; and

WHEREAS, Liam Hedley and Hunter Marcello were honored by their
school district at a board of education meeting and met with the school
Superintendent Jay Lupini who praised these selfless students and bonded
over their mutual interests in fishing; and

WHEREAS, Truly brave and courageous young men, Liam Hedley and
Hunter Marcello played a vital role in this extraordinary rescue effort,
and should be praised by the people of this great Empire State for their
astute actions in working to preserve the life of another; and

WHEREAS, Liam Hedley and Hunter Marcello, in their spontaneous and
heroic acts, have so aptly demonstrated their character and compassion
for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of their 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 Liam Hedley and Hunter Marcello upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Liam Hedley and Hunter Marcello.