BIG HONOR FOR PINTSIZED HERO

ALBANY, NY—Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) bestowed the state’s highest honor on one of our community’s tiniest heroes. 7 year old, Chase Piotrowski of Beacon was in Albany on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 where he was awarded the NYS Liberty Medal in recognition of the critical role he played in putting an end to a potentially devastating forest fire.

“Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and today I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize a small hero who played a big role in ensuring the safety of our community,” said Senator Serino.

New York’s Liberty Medal, which is officially recognized as the State’s highest honor, is awarded to individuals  who  have  merited  special commendation  for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.

Piotrowski was playing outside of his home on Thursday, April 21, 2016, when he spotted a forest fire burning nearby. He immediately alerted his mother who dialed 911. Beacon City Firefighters responded to the call and were subsequently able to extinguish the 10-foot-high flames.

“Chase’s quick thinking and immediate action enabled our firefighters to respond and contain a fire that had the potential to cause significant damage,” said Serino. “If this action is any indication, this young man has a very bright future ahead of him and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to present him with our state’s highest honor. May his good work inspire others throughout our community, and our state, to act in the face of trouble.”

In April, Beacon City Fire Chief Gary Van Voorhis named Piotrowski an honorary fireman at their Recruit NY event.

Piotrowski was joined in Albany by his mother Tara and his brothers, Mike and Jake.

To see Chase recognized on the floor of the NYS Senate, click here. 

-30-