The heroes with their awards from the Red Cross in February. (Photo/Conrad Baker)
MOUNT MORRIS – Three men whose heroism at American Rock Salt saved the life of a fellow employee will be awarded the New York State Senate Liberty Medal on Wednesday.
According to a press release from Senator Catherine Young, New York State Senate Liberty Medals will be presented to American Rock Salt employees John Ayers, Colin Keller, Gary Morrison and Michael Smith.
“On February 11, 2014, as a co-worker began to experience the chest pains, these four men stepped forward to assist the ailing man,” said Senator Young. “By realizing the need for medical attention and providing CPR and Artificial External Defibrillator shocks, they ultimately saved the man’s life. Without their quick thinking and selfless actions, the life of their co-worker may have been lost that day.”
The men will each receive a New York State Senate Liberty Medal, one of the highest civilian honors a New York resident can receive, and a New York State Senate Resolution in their honor.
The Liberty Medal is awarded by the New York State Senate to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.
Senate Resolutions memorializing the actions of the men were passed earlier this year and will permanently remain in state record.
In February 2015, Jay Bonafede with the American Red Cross already presented Keller, Morrison and Smith with Presidential Certificates of Merit, signed by President Obama, for their successful use of the Artificial External Defibrillator (AED) machine on their unconscious co-worker, while Ayers received a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action for assisting in the rescue.