Senate Resolution No. 486

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Allen L. Ayotte posthumously 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, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Allen L.
Ayotte posthumously 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, to be celebrated at the Saratoga County Honor A
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, March 18, 2025; 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, Born on December 7, 1946, to John and Evalina (Venne)
Ayotte, Allen L. Ayotte joined the WK Mansfield Hose Company, West
Crescent Fire District, serving his community as a volunteer when he was
just 16 years of age; he graduated from Shenendehowa High School in
1965; and

WHEREAS, Allen L. Ayotte joined the United States Air Force on
August 9, 1965, and served as a Protective Equipment Specialist; and

WHEREAS, In June 1967, Allen L. Ayotte was deployed to Vietnam,
where he served until July 1968 with the 16th Tactical Reconnaissance
Squadron at Ton Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon; during his time there,
Allen worked on protective equipment for flight crews and supported
search and rescue operations; and

WHEREAS, For his contributions in Vietnam, Allen L. Ayotte received
the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic
of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and

WHEREAS, Allen L. Ayotte was honorably discharged on December 8,
1968, at the esteemed rank of Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Allen L.
Ayotte joined the Capitol Police where he was an officer for 11 years;
he then went on to become a Fire Protection Specialist for the Office of
Fire Protection and Control, retiring in 2022; and

WHEREAS, Allen and Denise Ayotte were united in marriage on
September 16, 1978, and together they raised two daughters, Stephanie
and Christina; and

WHEREAS, As a 48-year active member of WK Mansfield Hose Company,
Allen L. Ayotte held many offices including Chairman of the Board of
Commissioners; he was also a member and past Commander of the Clifton
Park-Halfmoon VFW Post No. 1498; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Allen L. Ayotte was a member of the American Legion Mohawk
Post No. 1450, the Halfmoon Historical Society, the Halfmoon Republican
Committee and Club, the Halfmoon Senior Center, NYS Fire Chiefs, and the
FASNY; and

WHEREAS, Allen L. Ayotte died on December 20, 2022, at the age of
76; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who risked their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Allen L. Ayotte demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Allen L. Ayotte posthumously 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 the family of Allen L. Ayotte.