Assembly Resolution No. 64

BY: M. of A. Barclay

HONORING Barb VanSanford upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Education Real Hero
Award by the American Red Cross of Central New York
on December 7, 2016

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, 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
Barb VanSanford upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Education Real Hero Award by the American Red Cross of Central New York,
celebrated on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at The OnCenter/Nicolas J.
Pirro Convention Center, Syracuse, New York; and

WHEREAS, Since 1999, the American Red Cross of Central New York has
celebrated the Red Cross mission of alleviating human suffering by
hosting the Real Heroes Breakfast to honor Central New Yorkers, such as
Barb VanSanford, who have performed heroic acts to help others in need;
and

WHEREAS, The Red Cross touches lives in the State of New York every
day through programs and services such as Disaster Relief, Service to
the Armed Forces, and Preparedness and Health and Safety Training; and

WHEREAS, As an organization committed to helping people prevent,
prepare for and respond to emergencies in our communities, the Red Cross
is honored to salute Barb VanSanford for truly making a difference; and

WHEREAS, Barb VanSanford, a school bus driver for the
Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Schools, was stopped on Route 69 in Parish,
New York, and about to pick up a student when she realized a fast
approaching tractor-trailer coming up behind her was not going to stop;
and

WHEREAS, Barb VanSanford immediately yelled at the boy to run, and
the bus was rear-ended, compressing the last six rows of seats and
flipping it into the guardrails on the other side of the road; and

WHEREAS, Thankfully, neither Barb VanSanford or the young boy were
seriously hurt in this potentially catastrophic situation; even though
Barb says she was just doing her job, the child and his parents, the
Altmar-Parish-Williamstown School District and the community as a whole
are grateful that she makes sure that every single student in her care
is safe; and

WHEREAS, Barb VanSanford, through her spontaneous and heroic
actions, demonstrated her character and her compassion for the welfare
of others, personifying, by virtue of her actions, the collective
concern of ordinary citizens across the community of the State of New

York who voluntarily respond when others are in need of help; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Barb VanSanford upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Education Real Hero Award by the American Red Cross of Central
New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Barb VanSanford.