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.