Senator Flanagan Presents Liberty Medal To Smithtown Student
Photo Caption: Senator Flanagan and Principal Kull-Minarik (second from right) join with Kyle Geringer, his brother Matthew and his mother Diane after Kyle received the New York State Senate Liberty Medal. Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) recently presented the New York State Senate Liberty Medal to ten-year-old Kyle Geringer of Smithtown for his efforts in alerting his Smithtown neighbors about a chimney fire at their home. Senator Flanagan joined Kyle and his family in his fifth-grade class at Accompsett Elementary School, which is taught by Mr. Scott Miller, for a special ceremony organized by Principal Jeanne Kull-Minarik.
Kyle was in his home on November 23rd when he saw flames rising out of his neighbor’s chimney. He wisely informed his parents about the situation, who then contacted their neighbors to warn them of the unknown danger. Due to Kyle’s quick-thinking action, the Smithtown Fire Department was immediately contacted and arrived on the scene to put out the fire before it could spread to the rest of the home.
“Kyle took the initiative by acting swiftly to help protect his neighbors, which helped prevent the fire from spreading any further. He is proof that heroes live right in our community and come in every size,” stated Senator Flanagan. “Kyle is a hero who has set a great example for all of his classmates to follow.”
The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was created in 2000 and is one of the highest civilian honors that a New York resident can receive. It 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.