Senate Resolution No. 3122

BY: Senator LANZA

COMMENDING Lisa Sweeney 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Lisa Sweeney
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, Lisa Sweeney has worked for the United States Postal
Service for 30 years, the last 13 with the same mail route on Staten
Island, where she has come to know her 410 customers not just by their
face and name but also their daily routines; and

WHEREAS, On August 7, 2017, while making her usual rounds, Lisa
Sweeney felt something was not quite right at 87 year-old Marie Boyer's
home in Westerleigh, New York; the octogenarian's mail had piled up and
her trash cans were still out at the curb, days after garbage pickup,
two chores Lisa knew the senior citizen did on a regular basis; and

WHEREAS, After knocking on Marie Boyer's front door, and receiving
no response, Lisa Sweeney decided to speak with neighbors; when they too
had not seen her, the concerned mail carrier thought quickly and dialed
911; and

WHEREAS, The NYPD entered the home and found Marie Boyer had slipped
and fallen four days earlier and was lying helpless and alone on her
bedroom floor; the swift and astute actions of Lisa Sweeney ultimately
saved the life of the senior citizen; and

WHEREAS, The petite senior, who was living alone at the time, was
brought to the hospital where she was treated for severe dehydration;
and

WHEREAS, Marie Boyer has since recovered from her injuries and now
resides at The Esplanade Luxury Senior Residences in Graniteville, New
York; and


WHEREAS, The two women, who have grown extremely close, call each
other regularly; Marie Boyer believes Lisa Sweeney is a very special
person, one who truly cares about others which is a rare quality; and

WHEREAS, Marie Boyer, who recently celebrated her 87th Birthday with
her new friend, will be spending Thanksgiving with both Lisa Sweeney and
her 16 year-old son, Christopher; and

WHEREAS, Lisa Sweeney 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 her community; and

WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining her composure and her professional
conduct, Lisa Sweeney demonstrated her true character and genuine
compassion for the well-being 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; Lisa Sweeney 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 Lisa Sweeney 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 Lisa Sweeney.