Ortt awards Liberty Medal to local hero

New York State Sen. Robert Ortt awarded a New York State Liberty Medal to Ryan Suitor for his “quick and decisive action in helping save the life of a 2-year-old boy suffering from a severe case of Roseola.”

On April 22, Susan Rozanski was rushing her son, Kasper, to urgent care when she noticed her son’s head drop and his face turn purple. Panicking, she pulled over to the side of the thruway to flag down passing cars for assistance. That is when Suitor stepped in.

Suitor quickly shuffled Susan and her son into his vehicle and rushed the couple to the nearest hospital, where the boy could receive assistance from medical staff. Suitor then waited with Susan until she was informed by doctors that her son would be OK.

“The quick thinking and heroic actions of Ryan are something that we should all be thankful for,” Ortt said. “It is not every day that we have the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of strangers but, when this situation presented itself, Ryan didn't hesitate. In a situation where seconds make a world of difference, his courage and decisiveness saved the life of a young boy. Thank you, Ryan.”