LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Riley Dejong 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 incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of those exemplary citizens, who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so,
help others to avert life-threatening danger; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Riley Dejong
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, On Tuesday, February 3, 2015, a Metro-North train departed
from Grand Central Terminal carrying 650 commuters; shortly before
7:00pm, the commuter train approached a railroad crossing with an SUV
stopped on the tracks; and
WHEREAS, Unable to brake in time, the Metro-North train collided with
the SUV, prompting a fiery collision, which resulted in the deadliest
crash in Metro-North Railroad's 32-year history; and
WHEREAS, Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps Crew Chief/EMT Riley
Dejong happened to be a passenger on the train that dreadful day; she
was on her way home from CUNY Hunter College in Manhattan, where she is
pursuing a degree in Nursing; and
WHEREAS, Responding without hesitation, Riley Dejong remained on the
scene after the crash and proceeded to save the life of a fellow passen-
ger who was on fire; in addition, she dragged multiple other passengers
to safety; and
WHEREAS, When one of the responding ambulances was short a Crew Chief,
Riley Dejong volunteered to take charge; she provided vital care to
patients while being transported by ambulance to Westchester County
Medical Center; and
WHEREAS, In addition to volunteering her time as an EMT with the
Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Riley Dejong is a Certified Interi-
or Firefighter with the Bedford Hills Volunteer Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Had it not been for Riley Dejong's courage and determination,
this perilous situation could have been much worse; she took action
without regard for her own safety, which so aptly demonstrates her char-
acter and compassion for the safety and welfare of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Riley Dejong 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 tran-
smitted to Riley Dejong.