Senate Resolution No. 3317

BY: Senator HELMING

COMMENDING Firefighter James McClean 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, Citizens across the State of New York are inspired by and
indebted to our noble firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery every
day in the course of their duties; and

WHEREAS, New York State firefighters exemplify the power of human
compassion and the strength of the American spirit through actions of
the most heroic magnitude; their sacrifices and their selfless
dedication merit tribute and recognition by all citizens of this great
Nation; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Firefighter James McClean 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 Tuesday, April 7, 2020 Waterloo Firefighter James
McClean and his mother were traveling on State Route 96 when another
vehicle crossed the center line in front of them, struck an embankment
and rolled over before catching on fire; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation or regard for his own safety,
Firefighter James McClean ran to the overturned car and pulled the
driver out and away from the burning vehicle; and

WHEREAS, The driver was taken by North Seneca Ambulance to an area
near Exit 42 of the New York State Thruway, where a Mercy Flight Central
helicopter was waiting to transport him to Strong Memorial Hospital in
Rochester, where he was listed in satisfactory condition; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary young man should be meritoriously
commended for remaining calm under pressure and for showing valor and
true courage while performing a lifesaving deed; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter James McClean, 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 firefighters across the community of New York State who
voluntarily respond without thought of danger or reward when others are
in need; and

WHEREAS, It takes a special dedication, a strong desire to help
others and a tireless sense of community to forsake precious time with
family and friends to respond to the signal that a neighbor is in need;

James McClean is such a firefighter; he heroically performs, above and
beyond the call of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of
fire protection; now, therefore, be it

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