Senate Resolution No. 3476

BY: Senator YOUNG

HONORING David Tenpas 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of exemplary citizens who take prompt and
appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so, help others
to avert life-threatening danger; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor David Tenpas
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Liberty Medal,
the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State
Senate; and

WHEREAS, On Thursday, January 4, 2018, David Tenpas, a longtime bus
driver with the Sherman Central School District, was on his usual
morning route when he noticed the vehicle's brakes were experiencing
problems at 7:15 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, An experienced driver, David Tenpas immediately pulled over
and efficiently helped his 12 students evacuate from the disabled bus;
he then requested another bus to come and take the children to school;
due to his skill and emergency training, the students were outside in
the frigid weather for only three minutes; and

WHEREAS, Shortly after the students had been picked up by the second
vehicle, the first bus burst into flames and was quickly engulfed by
fire; the Stanley Hose Company soon arrived and extinguished the
dangerous fire; and

WHEREAS, Praised for his swift actions, David Tenpas demonstrated
his true character and genuine compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of
ordinary citizens across the community of the State of New York who
voluntarily respond when others are in need; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, David Tenpas richly merits the
admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his consummate
courage and heroic actions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor David Tenpas 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 David Tenpas.