Senate Resolution No. 2371
BY: Senator HELMING
COMMENDING Wade Peck upon the occasion of his
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 that those who
unselfishly devote themselves to the well-being and safety of others,
demonstrating exceptional courage in times of peril, merit the highest
recognition of the New York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Wade Peck upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, Wade Peck, 56, of Farmington, New York, is being honored
with a New York State Senate Liberty Medal in recognition of his
courageous and selfless actions on August 17, 2026, when he stopped to
assist a family whose home was threatened by a rapidly spreading fire;
and
WHEREAS, At approximately 6:42 p.m. on August 17, 2026, a vehicle
parked outside a residence on Meadowbrook Lane in Farmington suddenly
caught fire; within minutes, the vehicle was engulfed in flames, and the
fire had begun to spread to the front of the home; and
WHEREAS, While driving past the residence, Wade Peck saw the smoke
and flames and immediately stopped to assist, demonstrating
extraordinary courage and compassion as he placed the well-being of
those inside the home above his own safety; and
WHEREAS, Drawing upon his previous experience as a volunteer
firefighter with the Port Gibson Volunteer Fire Department, Wade Peck
attached a garden hose to the home and began spraying the fire, helping
to slow its advance while professional emergency responders were still
in route; and
WHEREAS, Wade Peck further assisted by directing the family's son to
retrieve fire extinguishers from inside the residence, providing the
occupants with additional means to combat the rapidly developing blaze
and helping to protect the home until firefighters arrived; and
WHEREAS, At the time of the fire, a 20-year-old resident, a
juvenile, and a dog were inside the home; through the efforts of Wade
Peck and those present, as well as the prompt response of emergency
personnel, all were able to evacuate safely, and no injuries were
reported; and
WHEREAS, Firefighters from the Victor and Farmington fire
departments subsequently arrived and contained the fire, limiting the
damage to the exterior of the residence; Farmington Code Enforcement
later determined that the family could safely remain in their home; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the homeowners expressed their profound
gratitude for Wade Peck's actions, recognizing that his intervention
helped prevent what could have been a far greater loss and gave
responding firefighters valuable time to arrive and contain the blaze;
and
WHEREAS, Wade Peck is a resident of Farmington and an employee of
El-Vi Farms in Newark, New York; he previously served as a volunteer
firefighter with the Port Gibson Volunteer Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Known as a humble man who shies away from recognition, Wade
Peck nevertheless exemplifies the highest ideals of citizenship through
his willingness to place the safety and welfare of others before his own
convenience, acting decisively and compassionately when his community
was in need; and
WHEREAS, By stopping his vehicle, taking immediate action, and using
his knowledge and experience to help slow the spread of the fire, Wade
Peck demonstrated that heroism is often found not in seeking
recognition, but in simply choosing to help when help is needed most;
and
WHEREAS, Wade Peck's actions on August 17, 2026, reflect great
credit upon himself, his family, the Town of Farmington, and the State
of New York, and stand as an inspiring example of courage, civic
responsibility, and devotion to the safety of one's neighbors; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Wade Peck upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient of
a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate, in recognition of his extraordinary courage,
selflessness, and heroic actions in helping to protect a Farmington
family and their home; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Wade Peck.
