Senate Resolution No. 1793

BY: Senator LARKIN

COMMENDING Courtney Starace 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
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 Courtney
Starace, a 911 Dispatcher with the Orange County Emergency Services,
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Liberty Medal,
the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State
Senate; and

WHEREAS, This heroic woman was recognized in front of a capacity
crowd during County Executive, Steve Neuhaus' State of the County
Address on Thursday, April 6, 2017; prior to the event, Courtney Starace
had an emotional reunion with the parents and held the tiny baby which
she helped save on that fateful day in March; and

WHEREAS, At approximately 8:00 a.m. on Friday, March 10, 2017,
Courtney Starace received a frantic call from a young mother informing
her that her baby was not breathing; and

WHEREAS, Immediately, Courtney Starace sent an ambulance to the
home, and then kept the mother calm as she instructed her how to
administer CPR on the baby; due to his mother's tireless efforts and
Courtney's skillful and precise directions, the baby boy began breathing
as the Warwick Community Ambulance Service, Inc. arrived to the
residence; and

WHEREAS, At that time, a first responder took over and continued
treatment; the baby was transported to St. Anthony Community Hospital in
Warwick, and later transferred to The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New
Jersey; after three days, he went home, happy and healthy; and

WHEREAS, Courtney Starace began her career as a 911 dispatcher with
Orange County in August of 2016; prior to this position, she served as
an EMT for nine years; and

WHEREAS, Courtney Starace should be regarded as a true hero; she has
continually devoted herself to public service, demonstrating great
courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the
citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining her composure and her professional
conduct, Courtney Starace demonstrated her true character and genuine
compassion for the welfare of others; 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; Courtney
Starace is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the
preservation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due
full praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Courtney Starace 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
transmitted to Courtney Starace.