John Harzynski was given one of the state's highest honors by Senator Patrick Gallivan Wednesday afternoon.
Harzynski was given the Liberty Medal in recognition for what he did to help Wyoming County Sheriff Greg Rudolf who was attacked on the side of the road.
During a speech at the ceremony, Harzynski described how saw the incident while out delivering newspapers.
"I just turned the car around and I got out and I just heard 'help help help," said Harzynski.
Despite being described by the senator as a local hero, Harzynski says that he was merely doing what he thought was the right thing.
"I'm not really a hero. I just thought I was trying to be helpful. Hopefully anybody would help anybody in the situation."
Harzynski was accompanied by Sheriff Greg Rudolph at the ceremony which took place during the opening session of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors.
Rudolf told reporters that he was a "little sore" and had been back at work for some time. Part of that, he says is due to the help he received from Harzynski the morning of December 11th.
"I would like to thank Senator Gallivan and his Senate colleges for recognizing Mr. Harzynski so appropriately with the highest honor bestowed by their chamber," said Rudolf.
According to investigators, the man who attacked Sheriff Rudolph was Lynn Hall. Hall reportedly got out of his car, met Sheriff Rudolph at the door of his police vehicle, and started a physical altercation.
At his arraignment hearing, hall refused to enter a plea. The judge issued a not guilty plea on his behalf. He was then remanded back to the Chautauqua County Jail on $500,000 bail or $1 million bond.