Senate Resolution No. 967

BY: Senator GAUGHRAN

COMMENDING John Amato 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 John Amato 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, At approximately 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2021,
John Amato, who owns and operates J. Amato Quality Spray Finishing, was
relaxing at his home in Northport, New York, when he heard a faint
beeping noise through his open back door; he went outside and realized
it was coming from his wheelchair-bound next-door neighbor's home at 65
Scudder Avenue; and

WHEREAS, After noticing flames in the second-floor room of the
house, John Amato quickly grabbed his fire extinguisher and ran to his
neighbor's house, screaming her name as he approached the door; and

WHEREAS, John Amato kicked in the door and immediately observed
heavy, dense smoke and flames; not being able to breathe, he went back
outside and decided to enter with a lower stance; he swiftly noticed the
woman lying on the floor with her hand outstretched and trying to say
something; and

WHEREAS, Responding without hesitation, John Amato approached the
woman, turned her around, picked her up, and carried her outside the
front door to the safety of a nearby house; shortly thereafter, two
police officers arrived at the scene followed by the fire chief, and the
woman was transported to the hospital; and

WHEREAS, John Amato, 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 John Amato 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 John Amato.