Senate Resolution No. 1290

BY: Senator LARKIN

COMMENDING Tommy Boyd 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 incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Tommy Boyd
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Liberty Medal,
the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State
Senate; and

WHEREAS, Recently, during a normal second grade lunch period at
Horizons-on-the-Hudson Magnet School in Newburgh, New York, a student
was eating his lunch when he suddenly stopped speaking and appeared
distressed; fortunately, Head Custodian Tommy Boyd was nearby and
immediately recognized the child could not breathe; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Boyd quickly delivered the Heimlich maneuver to the
boy, and with his efforts, a large piece of food was ejected from the
child's throat, allowing him to breathe naturally; and

WHEREAS, This is not the first time Tommy Boyd has performed this
lifesaving action; in 2014, he also saved a student at Gardnertown
Fundamental Magnet School; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Boyd should be meritoriously commended for remaining
calm under pressure and for showing valor and true courage while
performing a lifesaving deed; and

WHEREAS, Through his spontaneous and heroic actions, Tommy Boyd
demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of
ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily
respond without the thought of reward when others are in need of help;
and

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their

exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Tommy Boyd is
one such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Tommy Boyd 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 Tommy Boyd.