Honor Al Dumas for Heroism

Senate Resolution No. 2169 BY: Senator METZGER COMMENDING Firefighter Al Dumas upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of another; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Firefighter Al Dumas upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, Monticello Firefighter Al Dumas was traveling to Bethel, New York, on State Route 17B on Saturday, July 13, 2019, when he observed a vehicle stopped on the shoulder in front of the Sullivan Division of Public Works with coolant leaking out of the vehicle; and WHEREAS, During this time, Al Dumas noticed the driver sitting back in the vehicle as the steam from the coolant turned black with a start of flames coming from the oil pan; and WHEREAS, Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Al Dumas alerted the driver that his vehicle was on fire, removing him from the vehicle just before the flames erupted into the engine compartment; and WHEREAS, After alerting the Monticello Fire Department of the emergency, Al Dumas, with the help of Bethel Constables, began to control traffic in both directions and shutting down traffic headed eastbound; and WHEREAS, Due to the astute actions of this brave firefighter, the life of a man was saved; Al Dumas truly exemplifies what it means to be a Monticello Firefighter; and WHEREAS, Al Dumas, in his spontaneous and heroic act, has so aptly demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of his action, the collective concern of ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily respond without thought of danger or reward when others are in need of help; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Firefighter Al Dumas upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Firefighter Al Dumas.