Senate Resolution No. 2893
BY: Senator SEPULVEDA
COMMENDING Captain Anthony Mascia and Police
Officers Jeremias Rivera, Victor Cabral, Anthony
Diaz, Fransisco Baeto, and Christopher Estevez upon
the occasion of their designation as recipients 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, nobly risking
their own lives 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 Captain Anthony Mascia and Police Officers Jeremias Rivera,
Victor Cabral, Anthony Diaz, Fransisco Baeto, and Christopher Estevez
upon the occasion of their designation as recipients 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 January 18, 2022, these first responders responded to an
explosion that resulted in a massive fire and the collapse of a
three-story residential building in the Longwood neighborhood of the
Bronx, New York; and
WHEREAS, These brave men rushed to the scene of the incident and
into the blazing structure without hesitation, where they were able to
assist an individual stuck in the rubble to safety while the building
started to collapse; despite the misfortune of a single casualty on the
scene and the severe injury of some of the first responders, this
Captain and his officers fulfilled their duties and continued to ensure
all residents were safe while gravely risking their own lives in their
efforts; and
WHEREAS, Justly recognized as heroes, Captain Anthony Mascia and
Police Officers Jeremias Rivera, Victor Cabral, Anthony Diaz, Fransisco
Baeto, and Christopher Estevez richly merit the admiration of this
Legislative Body and their community for their consummate, swift action
in saving the lives of residents of the building; and
WHEREAS, Moreover Captain Anthony Mascia and Police Officers
Jeremias Rivera, Victor Cabral, Anthony Diaz, Fransisco Baeto, and
Christopher Estevez should be meritoriously commended for remaining calm
under pressure and for showing valor and true courage while performing a
lifesaving deed; and
WHEREAS, Captain Anthony Mascia and Police Officers Jeremias Rivera,
Victor Cabral, Anthony Diaz, Fransisco Baeto, and Christopher Estevez,
in their spontaneous and heroic acts, have so aptly demonstrated their
character and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by
virtue of their 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 Captain Anthony Mascia and Police Officers Jeremias Rivera,
Victor Cabral, Anthony Diaz, Fransisco Baeto, and Christopher Estevez
upon the occasion of their designation as recipients 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 Captain Anthony Mascia and Police Officers Jeremias
Rivera, Victor Cabral, Anthony Diaz, Fransisco Baeto, and Christopher
Estevez.
