Senator Martins Awards Liberty Medal to “Herricks Heroes” For Saving Student’s Life

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate District) today awarded the New York State Senate’s Liberty Medal to eight Herricks Middle School staff members who heroically saved the life of a student who suffered cardiac arrest during gym class.

     “Every second counts in a cardiac emergency, because the difference between life and death is only a matter of minutes.  The immediate and coordinated response by these eight men and women, working as a team, undoubtedly saved a young boy’s life and prevented a tragedy.  The Herricks School District has been very proactive in training staff in CPR/AED use and this shows exactly why that’s so important.  Congratulations to these ‘Herricks Heroes’ and the Herricks School District on a job well done,” said Senator Martins.

     On September 14th, eighth grade student Sanketh Kumar was running the track in gym class when he suddenly collapsed. After calling 911 and discovering that Sanketh wasn’t breathing and had a fading pulse, a team of staff began administering CPR and then used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restart his heart and save his life.  Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter and took Sanketh to the hospital.  Sanketh is now back at school and attended the ceremony honoring the quick thinking staff.  

    The eight heroes are:

• Tom Aird (Assistant Principal)
• Tracey Baumann (Nurse)
• Artie Friess (Physical education teacher)
• Dennis Horton (Physical education teacher)
• Joan Keegan (Principal)
• Dana Lieberman (Nurse)
• Pam Seebald (Physical education teacher)
• Joe Welsh (Physical education teacher)

     The New York State Senate Liberty Medal is the highest civilian honor a New Yorker can receive.  It is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.