To officially kickoff National Volunteer Week (April 22-28), Senator Kemp Hannon bestowed the New York State Senate Liberty Award, one of the state's highest commendations, on more than 15 honorees who aided in the rescue or recovery efforts after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Among those honored were Patrick O'Neil of East Meadow. Immediately following the attacks, O'Neill quit his job and voluntarily assisted at Ground Zero for over two months.

"So many people want to help and don't know where or how to begin," said Hannon. "It was imperative that we honor those who, during the terrorist attack and its aftermath, acted on their own to help others. Their example challenges us all to give of ourselves for the common good and provides us with role models to emulate."

In the wake of the attacks, O'Neil went to Ground Zero to search for Steve LaMantia, a childhood friend since kindergarten and best man at his wedding. LaMantia was a family man and an employee at Cantor Fitzgerald. When O'Neil saw the site and vast destruction, he came to the realization that the chances of finding his friend alive were grim. Still, he quit his financial job and worked in rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero for the next two and a half months.

"For me, it was something from inside, a no-brainer," said O'Neil. "It was the right thing to do, and I know Steve would have done the same for me."

O'Neil worked on a human assembly line, removing debris from one of the buildings piece by piece. He was unable to find his friend. When the job was completed, O'Neil returned home to his family and resumed working on Wall Street. "I'd still be there if I could," he said.

Created in 2000, the New York State Liberty Award is given to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers and their community. Hannon put out a call for Liberty Award nominations at the end of 2001 and his office received over 100 applications. Hannon chose each recipient primarily for his or her initiative, responsiveness and generosity.

"We were truly overwhelmed and gratified to see so many examples of generosity, courage and volunteerism. It was difficult to select the winners because every person nominated had helped people."

In order to inspire potential volunteers, Hannon encourages people to visit the Points of Light Foundation's website at www.pointsoflight.org and link to the "Getting Involved" section. Some of the ideas listed on the website include collecting warm clothing for the homeless or needy, performing household chores for an elderly or homebound person or coaching a youth sports team.

"There are about 50 simple ideas on how to help someone - your neighbor, local children or senior citizens - that you can begin today," Hannon said.