The longtime Cazenovia first responder is being honored for helping save a woman during a Syracuse house fire and for decades of volunteer service.

The Richard Macheda Liberty Medal presentation will take place Wednesday, Oct. 21, in Cazenovia, recognizing a veteran first responder who stopped at a Syracuse house fire and helped revive an injured woman.

State Sen. Joseph Griffo is scheduled to present the New York State Senate’s highest honor at 12:30 p.m. at the Cazenovia Municipal Building, 90 Albany St. The announcement was issued as a media advisory. It did not provide general public-attendance instructions, so people interested in attending should contact Griffo’s office before going.

Why Richard Macheda is receiving the Liberty Medal

The Senate adopted Resolution J1828 on April 21, honoring Macheda for his actions on Dec. 26, 2025, and his long record of public service.

According to the resolution, Macheda was driving in Syracuse on the morning after Christmas when he saw smoke near North Street. He stopped at a burning house and met Syracuse police Officer John Canestrare, who had found a woman unconscious outside with a severely broken foot.

The two men began CPR. Macheda returned to his vehicle for a medical bag, secured the woman’s airway and helped stabilize her until firefighters and emergency medical crews arrived. The woman’s pulse was restored, the resolution states.

The Senate document says the response showed how “swift action, teamwork, and confidence can make all the difference.” The official account does not identify the woman, and her privacy should be respected.

A career of volunteer service

Macheda is a longtime Cazenovia resident with decades of emergency-service experience. The resolution lists 25 years as a first responder and 39 years with the Cazenovia Fire Department, where he previously served as chief.

He also served as chief of operations for the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps. His other roles include service on the Madison County Underwater Recovery Team, Rope Rescue Team, and Search and Rescue Team.

Macheda is a certified CPR instructor through the American Heart Association and chairs Dig Safely New York, according to the Senate resolution. Those details help explain why he had both equipment and training available when he came upon the fire.

What the New York State Senate Liberty Medal represents

The Liberty Medal is the highest honor the state Senate awards. Senate resolutions describe it as recognition for exceptional, heroic or humanitarian acts on behalf of other New Yorkers.

The medal does not create a new emergency credential or legal authority. It is a public honor recognizing service. In Macheda’s case, the Senate connected one lifesaving response to a much longer history of volunteer work.

The presentation also highlights how off-duty first responders may still carry knowledge that can help in an emergency. Macheda was not dispatched to the North Street fire. He noticed danger, stopped and worked with an officer until the assigned crews arrived.

What this means for Central New York

Volunteer fire and ambulance organizations are a central part of public safety across Madison, Oneida and Herkimer counties. They respond to fires, crashes, medical calls, water emergencies and searches. Many rely on residents who train outside their regular jobs and remain available at difficult hours.

Recognition can draw attention to that work, but departments also need recruitment, training, safe equipment and steady community support. Utica Phoenix has reported on New York’s expanded volunteer first responder tax credit, one effort intended to help departments retain members.

Macheda’s experience also shows why CPR training matters beyond an ambulance station. Cardiac arrest can happen at home, at work or in a public place. Bystanders are often present before an ambulance arrives.

What to do if someone needs emergency help

Call 911 immediately when a person is unconscious, not breathing normally or in immediate danger. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Do not enter a burning building or another unsafe area, and do not move an injured person unless remaining in place creates greater danger.

Hands-only CPR basics

The American Heart Association recommends hands-only CPR for a teen or adult who suddenly collapses: call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest. A dispatcher may coach a caller through the steps.

Infants, children, drowning victims and some other emergencies can require different care. Formal training is the best way to learn chest compressions, rescue breaths, automated external defibrillators and how to respond safely. People should use their training and follow current professional guidance.

An automated external defibrillator, often called an AED, can analyze a heart rhythm and provide voice prompts. If one is available, send someone to retrieve it while another person calls 911 and begins care. The device will provide a shock only when it detects a rhythm that calls for one.

How to prepare before an emergency

• Take a CPR and AED course from a recognized training organization.
• Know where AEDs and first-aid kits are located at work, school or community facilities.
• Keep emergency addresses visible, especially at rural properties.
• Teach children how and when to call 911.
• Ask local volunteer departments about training, membership and support roles.

A rescue like the one described in the Senate resolution depends on more than courage. It also depends on recognizing an emergency, calling for help, working as a team and having practiced skills before they are needed.

How to learn more

The full Senate resolution is available on the New York State Senate website. It provides the official account of Macheda’s service and the Dec. 26 response. Griffo’s district office can provide current details about the presentation.

Residents interested in CPR classes can search the American Heart Association’s training resources or ask local hospitals, ambulance services, fire departments and community organizations about upcoming courses. Those considering volunteer emergency service should contact their local department directly because eligibility, training and time commitments vary.

Community question: What would help your local volunteer fire or ambulance organization recruit and retain more members? Share constructive ideas or appreciation in the comments. Please protect patient privacy and do not post names or medical details from emergency calls.