Ortt presents NYS Senate Liberty Medal to NT Assistant Fire Chief Kyle Stevener

Submitted by the Office of New York State Sen. Rob Ortt

New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt presented the New York State Senate Liberty Medal to North Tonawanda Assistant Fire Chief Kyle Stevener for his heroic, lifesaving actions.

While off duty, and on his way home from the Erie County Fair in August, Stevener came across a stopped vehicle on River Road, then noticed a person lying on the roadway. Without hesitation, he hurried to the aid of a 12-year-old girl who had just been struck by a vehicle moments earlier.

“By some miracle, Kyle Stevener, a highly trained first responder, happened to be driving by the scene of a terrible accident and immediately jumped into action to provide lifesaving measures to a young girl,” Ortt said. “Mr. Stevener’s selfless acts exemplify the bravery and heroism of our first responders, whether on the clock or just in their daily lives, and embody the very qualities that define the Senate Liberty Medal.”

North Tonawanda Fire Chief Doug Orlowski said, “Assistant Chief Kyle Stevener’s actions on Aug. 22 are a tremendous example of the courage, compassion and dedication that we ask of every member of the North Tonawanda Fire Department. Kyle’s dedication to the North Tonawanda Fire Department and to the residents we serve does not end when his shift does. We are incredibly proud of Assistant Chief Stevener and grateful for the care and compassion he provided when this young girl and her family needed it most.

“On behalf of the entire North Tonawanda Fire Department, we thank Kyle for his heroic actions and congratulate him on receiving the Liberty Medal from Sen. Ortt. We also sincerely thank Sen. Ortt for recognizing Kyle’s actions and for presenting him with this distinguished honor. This recognition is a meaningful acknowledgment of Kyle’s dedication to our community and the residents of North Tonawanda, and it is well deserved.”

The New York State Senate Liberty Medal is the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed by a member of the New York State Senate upon a resident of New York.