Senate Resolution No. 15 BY: Senator HELMING COMMENDING Molly Ames upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate 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 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 commend Molly Ames upon the occasion of her 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 Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Sodus, New York, resident, Molly Ames, was driving her vehicle in the Town of Walworth when she observed a man who was struggling to ride his bicycle; and WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Molly Ames stopped her vehicle to check on the gentleman's welfare; unaware that he was suffering from a heart attack, the man asked the concerned motorist to call 9-1-1 after which he collapsed; and WHEREAS, Molly Ames immediately called 9-1-1 and followed the dispatcher's instructions to administer CPR; although she had never been formally trained in first aid, she performed chest compressions for seven minutes, an incredibly exhausting task; undeterred, the concerned woman continued the life-saving procedure until emergency personnel arrived to restart the victim's heart; and WHEREAS, It is a medical fact that the first minutes of a cardiac arrest are the most critical in the prevention of long-lasting damage and potential death; and WHEREAS, The victim had no indication or family history of heart failure; he knew that something felt strange, and he struggled to ride; feeling fatigued, he could not keep his usual pace and dismounted his bicycle; and WHEREAS, By the time medical responders restarted the victim's heart, he had been in cardiac arrest for approximately half an hour; because of the heroism and unselfishness of Molly Ames, this grateful grandfather of six, athlete, and former teacher is alive and continues to enjoy his grandchildren and ride his bicycle; and WHEREAS For her heroic actions, Molly Ames was honored with a Proclamation presented by the Town of Walworth and a New York State Senate Citation on Thursday, October 3, 2024; and WHEREAS, Due to the noble and courageous actions taken by Molly Ames, a precious life was saved, and a seemingly dire situation had positive results; and WHEREAS, Molly Ames, in her spontaneous and heroic act, has so aptly demonstrated her character and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of her action, the collective concern of ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily respond without thought of danger or reward when others need help; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Molly Ames upon the occasion of her 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 Molly Ames.