Senate Resolution No. 608

BY: Senator KAMINSKY

COMMENDING Jeffrey Dupoux 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, 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jeffrey
Dupoux of the Elmont Volunteer Fire Department 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 Wednesday, February 1, 2017, a young woman was driving
east on the Long Island Expressway (LIE) near Exit 60 (Hawkins Avenue)
in Ronkonkoma, New York, when her Ford Expedition collided with a
National Grid truck at about 10:50 a.m.; the explosive impact caused the
SUV to overturn causing a small fire to erupt in the engine; and

WHEREAS, Fortuitously, Elmont Volunteer Firefighter, Jeffrey Dupoux
and Highway Patrol Bureau Officer, Thomas Mutarelli were driving on the
LIE at the time of the horrific accident; even though they were both off
duty, they both pulled up to the crash in their own cars; and

WHEREAS, Jeffrey Dupoux and the Officer quickly ran to the
overturned vehicle, and immediately noticed that the woman driver's side
door jam was crushed, and that her neck and head were bent onto the roof
of the SUV; and

WHEREAS, As they were attempting to free the frightened woman, the
fire swiftly began to grow; Jeffrey Dupoux diligently worked to free her
from her trappings, while the Officer ran to the other side of the
vehicle and focused on getting her out of the vehicle; and

WHEREAS, Fighting against the intense heat of the fiery blaze,
Jeffrey Dupoux finally unleashed her seat belt and the Officer pulled
her out of the passenger side window; and

WHEREAS, Due to the spontaneous actions of two off-duty public
servants, the driver of the SUV and the driver of the National Grid

truck were taken to Stony Brook University Hospital with non-life
threatening injuries; and

WHEREAS, Jeffrey Dupoux 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 his community and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining his composure and his professional
conduct, Jeffrey Dupoux 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; Jeffrey Dupoux
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 Jeffrey Dupoux 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 Jeffrey Dupoux.