Senate Resolution No. 3150

BY: Senator PHILLIPS

COMMENDING Oliver Rein 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Oliver
Rein 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

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 the rainy evening of August 12, 2017, 16-year-old Oliver
Rein was walking with two friends at the corner of Middle Neck Road and
Beach Road in the Old Village of Great Neck, New York, when he heard a
car speeding down the street going south on Middle Neck Road; the
vehicle veered left and ran into the divider, hit two poles, flew in the
air, and then collided into a tree, whereupon it started to smoke and
spark; and

WHEREAS, The wrecked automobile landed about 10 feet from Oliver
Rein and his friends; after recovering from a moment of shock and
disbelief, Oliver's training for the past two years as a Junior
Firefighter with the Great Neck Alert Volunteer Fire Company took over;
knowing that the occupants of the car, if still alive, faced
life-threatening danger, he quickly ran over to pry open the crushed
driver's door; and

WHEREAS, When Oliver Rein was finally able to force open the door,
he saw a motionless young male driver covered in blood and shattered
glass; Oliver ascertained that the victim was alive and immediately
removed his seatbelt and extricated him from the car to safety on the
sidewalk; and

WHEREAS, Without regard for their own safety, Oliver Rein and his
friend also helped the second passenger get out of the smoking car; and

WHEREAS, Understanding the driver was in shock, Oliver Rein stayed
with him in order to keep him alert and assess his injuries; he calmly
spoke to him until medical help and emergency vehicles arrived; and


WHEREAS, Oliver Rein should be regarded as a true hero; he has
continually devoted himself to public service, demonstrating great
courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the
citizens of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining his composure and his professional
conduct, Oliver Rein demonstrated his true character and genuine
compassion for the well-being of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Oliver Rein 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 Oliver Rein.