Shier awarded NYS Conspicuous Service Medal

by Ryan Fay

Union freshman forward Kevin Shier was presented with a New York State Conspicuous Service Medal in a ceremony before Saturday's game against Princeton.

Neild and Shier pose before Saturday's game
photo credit: Matt Milless/MahiMattPhoto

The honor stemmed from an incident last Dec. 9, when Shier and his father were on their way to Union for a recruiting trip. Shier was one of seven good Samaritans who helped save New York Army National Guard Capt. Timothy Neild from a burning car following an accident on Interstate 90 just outside of Syracuse.

The rescue came in the nick of time, as the car exploded moments later. Neild was in an induced coma for 11 days after the accident.

Before Saturday's game, Neild, Shier and Princeton associate captain Aaron Ave participated in a ceremonial puck drop.

The New York State Conspicuous Service Medal is the second-highest award presented in the name of the Governor of New York, and is typically given to members of the New York Army or Air National Guard.

Neild and Shier, who hadn't formally met before Saturday, talked about the incident on Saturday:





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