Senator DeFrancisco Presents Syracuse District Fire Department Chief Mike Chura with the NYS Senate Liberty Award

SENATOR DEFRANCISCO HONORS FIRE CHIEF MIKE CHURA FOR SAVING WOMAN’S LIFE 

District Fire Chief Mike Chura is Presented with NYS Senate Liberty Award 

Senator John A. DeFrancisco (R-I-C, Syracuse) today honored Syracuse District Fire Department Chief Mike Chura for his heroic actions which saved the life of a woman in August 2010. Senator DeFrancisco presented District Chief Mike Chura with the New York State Senate Liberty Award at a ceremony this morning attended by Chura’s family, friends, and Assemblyman Will Barclay, (R-I-C, Pulaski). 

On the evening of August 11, 2010, District Chief Mike Chura saved the life of a woman who was trapped inside an overturned vehicle. Chura was driving by the scene of the accident with his family when he noticed the vehicle burning near a line of trees. As a seasoned 25-year firefighter from the Syracuse City District Fire Department, Chura immediately came to the rescue of the woman trapped inside, who was suspended by her seat belt. He freed the woman, who was later identified as Priscilla Roslyn, and pulled her to safety shortly before the vehicle became engulfed in flames. 

“District Chief Chura deserves to be recognized for his quick response in saving the life of Ms. Roslyn,” said Senator DeFrancisco. “She probably would not be alive today if it were not for District Chief Chura. He is an outstanding member of the Syracuse City District Fire Department, and should be commended for his hard work and dedication. I am happy to present him with a New York State Senate Liberty Award, which recognizes citizens for their exceptional, heroic or humanitarian acts and achievements.” 

“Chief Mike Chura went above and beyond the call of duty and risked his safety to help Priscilla Roslyn,” said Assemblyman Barclay. “That is admirable. We are fortunate to have people like Mike Chura in our community. I was pleased to honor him in the Assembly by introducing an Assembly Resolution in his honor and believe that he is well-deserving of all accolades considering what he did to save Ms. Roslyn’s life. He is a dedicated firefighter and a true hero.” 

The New York State Senate Liberty Award is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a civilian in New York State. It is presented to citizens who have merited special commendation for their actions on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers and their community.