Senate Resolution No. 2397

BY: Senator JACOBS

HONORING Cassandra L. Butzer 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of 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 Cassandra L.
Butzer 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, At 10:10 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, 18-year-old
Cassandra L. Butzer was driving in her car when she noticed flames
coming from a home on Elmwood Park North in Tonawanda, New York; and

WHEREAS, Cassandra L. Butzer immediately pulled over and ran up to
the burning house; she pounded on the front door, alerting the
homeowner, who was home alone at the time; and

WHEREAS, Fortunately, the City of Tonawanda Fire Department was able
to contain the blaze mainly to an exterior porch, although the house
sustained significant smoke damage; and

WHEREAS, If not for Cassandra L. Butzer's alertness and willingness
to stop and help, the fire could have harmed the resident and completely
destroyed the home; and

WHEREAS, Praised for her swift actions, Cassandra L. Butzer
demonstrated her true character and genuine compassion for the welfare
of others, personifying, by virtue of their actions, the collective
concern of ordinary citizens across the community of the State of New
York who voluntarily respond when others are in need; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Cassandra L. Butzer richly
merits the admiration of this Legislative Body and her community for her
consummate courage and heroic actions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Cassandra L. Butzer 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 copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Cassandra L. Butzer.