Teens Awarded for Heroic Efforts in Rescuing Family from Fire
Whitesboro Teens Honored for Courageous Actions During Garage Fire Incident
A group of four high school students from Whitesboro, New York, demonstrated remarkable bravery and quick thinking when they encountered a garage engulfed in flames while returning home from their junior prom on May 17. The teenagers—Aiden Kane, Morgan Randall, Tyler Sodj, and Donato Jellenich—were celebrated for their decisive actions that potentially saved lives during an emergency situation on Cavanaugh Road in Marcy.
On June 16, local leaders, including New York State Senators Joseph Griffo and Mark Walczyk and Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, presented the teenagers with the New York State Senate Liberty Medals. This prestigious accolade is awarded to civilians for extraordinary acts of courage and service. The ceremony took place in the Whitesboro Auditorium, where friends, family, and faculty expressed their admiration for the young heroes.
The incident began when Kane, Randall, Sodj, and Jellenich noticed the fire while driving home from an evening of celebration. They promptly coordinated to evacuate the family present in the garage and ensured that no one was trapped inside. The group’s proactive approach also involved contacting the fire department while providing comfort to the family, including the children, until emergency services arrived.
Whitesboro High School Principal David Cognetti highlighted the students’ exemplary conduct, stating, “As a school district, we are incredibly proud of how they conducted themselves.” The school community echoed these sentiments during the commendation ceremony, with School Board President Brian McQueen describing the students as “heroes” who exemplified the best of community spirit.
Senator Griffo commended the teens for their remarkable actions, emphasizing the significance of community involvement and the importance of taking initiative in times of crisis. “What you did was remarkable at your age,” he stated, applauding both the teens and their parents for instilling such values. He added, “You saved a life, and that truly made a difference in not just the family but the lives of the community.”
The event served as a poignant reminder of the capacity of ordinary individuals to act heroically in unexpected situations. Following the event, the Whitesboro School Board also honored the students with commemorative plaques to recognize their commendable response to the fire.
In reflecting on their experience, the teens expressed humility about the recognition they received, acknowledging the collective effort that resulted in this life-saving outcome. Their actions not only underscore the importance of readiness in emergencies but also serve as an inspiring example to their peers about the impact of courageous behavior within a community.
