Senator Mark Walczyk is proud to announce that Lake Durant caretaker Kristen Cummins has been honored with the New York State Senate Liberty Award for her heroic actions during a dangerous water rescue on June 6, 2026.

 

Kristen was off duty when she received a call directly from Matthew Veshia, a boater who had capsized as a severe storm moved across Lake Durant. Stranded in the cold water with a fishing lure embedded beneath his left arm, Matthew was struggling to swim against the wind and waves.

 

Knowing he was in trouble, Kristen grabbed two life jackets, launched a boat and began paddling through the wind and waves to reach Matthew. She eventually reached him and told him to hold onto her boat before paddling Matthew and his capsized boat to a nearby peninsula where the two could catch their breath.

From there, Matthew made his way through the woods while Kristen paddled back across the water, and the two reunited safely on the shore. The Blue Mountain Fire Department and Indian Lake Fire Department arrived shortly afterward. First responders treated Matthew for his injury and hypothermia and also evaluated Kristen for hypothermia after her time was exposed to the cold, wind, and rain.

 

“My first thought was that I had to get him out of harm’s way. I was prepared to swim out if I had to. As I was paddling out to reach Matthew, there was a point when I wasn’t sure I could make it, so I reminded myself to focus, breathe, and keep going. After the rescue, I was surprised by how much attention it had received because I felt like I was just doing my job. All in all, I’m honored by the recognition, but what matters most to me is that Matthew made it home safely. Award or not, I would do it again without hesitation,” said Kristen Cummins. “Kristen’s quick response, calm demeanor and determination helped ensure that I made it safely back to shore. In a situation that could have ended very differently, her actions made all the difference. Since then, Kristen and I have talked frequently and developed what I consider a lifelong friendship. She is a great person with a beautiful soul and deserves everything good in life,” said Matthew Veshia.

 

“Kristen didn’t hesitate when she learned someone was in trouble. She grabbed a boat, went out into the storm and put her own safety on the line to save a man’s life,” said Senator Mark Walczyk. “Her courage and selflessness that day was truly remarkable. I’m grateful Matthew made it home safely, and proud to recognize Kristen with the New York State Senate Liberty Award.”

 

The New York State Senate Liberty Award is one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by the New York

State Senate. It recognizes New Yorkers who have demonstrated exceptional courage, heroism and sacrifice on behalf of others.