Senate Resolution No. 1342

BY: Senator GALLIVAN

COMMENDING James McManus 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 incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of exemplary citizens who take prompt and
appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so, help others
to avert life-threatening danger; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend James
McManus 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, On Thursday, October 14, 2021, James McManus, an employee
of the Caledonia-Mumford Central School Transportation Department, was
driving a school bus carrying 38 students from the Batavia Career and
Technical Education School to the Building Trades house project site,
when he noticed a motorist in the oncoming lane attempting to pass the
two vehicles in front of him, placing it in direct line of the school
bus; and

WHEREAS, Realizing his vehicle was about to be hit head on by the
out-of-control car, James McManus carefully began to maneuver the bus to
the side of the road; however, the oncoming vehicle was going very fast
and clipped the front corner of the bus, spinning it a distance and then
hit the rear corner of the bus; and

WHEREAS, With great composure, James McManus maintained control of
the wheel and steered toward the ditch and braked, finally stopping a
few feet short of an electrical pole with three transformers on it; and

WHEREAS, James McManus' calm demeanor and 16 years of experience and
training truly prevented a horrific tragedy; fortunately, there were no
major injuries and James is now driving again full-time; and

WHEREAS, Praised for his astute actions, James McManus demonstrated
his true character and genuine compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of
ordinary citizens across the community of the State of New York who
voluntarily respond when others are in need; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, James McManus richly merits
the admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his
consummate courage and heroic actions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend James McManus 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 James McManus.