Senate Resolution No. 3117

BY: Senator CROCI

COMMENDING Peter DiPinto, Sr. 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, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Peter
DiPinto, Sr. 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, October 10, 2017, at approximately 10:30 p.m.,
volunteer firefighter and United States Navy Veteran Peter DiPinto, Sr.,
heard a car crash at the crossing near the intersection of Montauk
Highway and Arthur Avenue, to the east of the Bellport station, in
Brookhaven, Long Island, in Suffolk County; and

WHEREAS, The driver of the car was turning when another vehicle hit
the passenger's side, sending her SUV onto the train tracks; and

WHEREAS, Peter DiPinto, Sr. quickly ran to the driver's aid, pushing
the airbags aside to reach her; realizing a train was speeding towards
them, he pulled the terrified woman across the passenger seat, dragging
her to safety behind a silver utility shed; about 10 seconds later, the
Long Island Rail Road train slammed into the vehicle, sending it 50 feet
into some nearby brush; and

WHEREAS, Due to the spontaneous actions of 30-year veteran
firefighter, Peter DiPinto, Sr., the victim of the car crash survived
with minor injuries; and

WHEREAS, Peter DiPinto, Sr. should be regarded as a true hero; he
has continually devoted himself to public service, demonstrating great
courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the
citizens of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining his composure and his professional
conduct, Peter DiPinto, Sr. demonstrated his true character and genuine
compassion for the welfare of others; and


WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Peter DiPinto,
Sr. is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the
preservation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due
full praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Peter DiPinto, Sr. 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 Peter DiPinto, Sr.