Senate Resolution No. 1436

BY: Senator SKOUFIS

COMMENDING Port Authority Police Officer Kevin
Colomba 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 Port Authority Police Officer Kevin Colomba 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 the morning of Monday, October 30, 2023, Port Authority
Police Officer Kevin Colomba, 35, a seven-year veteran of the force and
a Captain with the Warwick Fire Department, had just finished a midnight
shift with the Port Authority at the George Washington Bridge when he
came upon a head-on crash on Route 17A in Tuxedo, New York; and

WHEREAS, Despite being off-duty in both roles, Officer Kevin Colomba
sprang into action, pulling the driver of one vehicle to safety before
turning to two people in the second car as flames began to engulf the
vehicle; and

WHEREAS, Officer Kevin Colomba pulled the second driver through the
driver's window as the fire spread, with an injured woman still trapped
in the passenger seat of the burning wreck; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation or concern for his own safety, Officer
Kevin Colomba instructed the woman to cover her face, and broke the
passenger-side window before pulling her to safety; and

WHEREAS, The Tuxedo Fire Department arrived shortly after to douse
the flames, and all three victims were brought to a nearby hospital and
are expected to survive; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Officer Kevin Colomba richly
merits the admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his
consummate, swift action in saving the lives of these three individuals;
and

WHEREAS, Moreover, Officer Kevin Colomba should be meritoriously
commended for remaining calm under pressure and for showing valor and
true courage while performing a lifesaving deed; and


WHEREAS, Officer Kevin Colomba, 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 Port Authority Police Officer Kevin Colomba 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 Officer Kevin Colomba.