New York State Trooper Shaun Smith and 12-year-old Zachary Cumm of Baldwinsville were honored with the New York State Senate Liberty Award on Friday, Aug. 5, in recognition of their efforts to save 12-year-old Landon Arcuri from drowning at the Northwest Family YMCA this past June.
Landon suffered a cardiac arrest while swimming in the NFWY’s pool with Zachary and began to sink to the bottom of the pool. Zachary pulled him to the surface and, with Smith’s help, began CPR. Smith continued CPR with the help of respiratory therapist Tracy Barton and a registered nurse whose name was not available at press time and called 911. Thanks to their efforts, Landon survived, though he has required additional surgery for his heart condition.
Created in 2000, the New York State Senate Liberty Award is one of the highest honors presented to a civilian in the state. The award is given to those who have exhibited exceptional, heroic or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.
Also honored with the award was Lawrence Gabriel, who was shot while attempting to remove a gunman from McAvan’s Pub in Syracuse last February. The three were recognized by Sen. John DeFrancisco.
