NY J02740

Brandon Gruttemeyer receives the Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the New York State Senate, for heroic and humanitarian acts.

On August 1, 2024, Gruttemeyer rescued a non-swimming coworker who had fallen into Lake George by locating the individual approximately 10-12 feet underwater and pulling him to the surface.

Gruttemeyer and fellow employee Eric VanAuken administered CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until emergency medical services arrived and stabilized the victim's breathing and pulse.

The victim was transferred to Albany Medical Center where specialized healthcare professionals used extracorporeal membrane oxygenation equipment, contributing to the individual's recovery and improvement.

The New York State Senate recognizes Gruttemeyer's spontaneous bravery and compassion for demonstrating the collective concern of citizens who respond to emergencies without regard for personal danger.