Senate Resolution No. 3717

BY: Senator HELMING

COMMENDING Captain Don Philips 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, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery
every day in the course of their duties; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of another; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Captain Don Philips 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 Saturday, January 6, 2018, Canandaigua Fire Captain Don
Philips responded to reports of a structure fire with people trapped;
and

WHEREAS, Upon arriving on the scene, Firefighter Captain Don Philips
observed thick black smoke pouring from an apartment at Camelot Court;
and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Captain
Don Philips, who couldn't see anything, crawled through the apartment
feeling around for the victim, a quadriplegic who requires a motorized
wheelchair; and

WHEREAS, This brave firefighter was able to locate both the woman
and her dog within two minutes of searching the smoke filled home,
carrying them both out the window to safety; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, immediately after the rescue, Firefighter
Captain Don Philips remarkably began to extinguish the fire as no other
firefighters had yet arrived on the scene; and

WHEREAS, Captain Don Philips 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, Captain Don Philips demonstrated his 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; Captain Don
Philips is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations while in the
course of performing their job duties, nobly risking their own lives in
an effort to preserve the life of another; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Captain Don Philips 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 Captain Don Philips.