Senator Gallivan Presents Liberty Medal to Three Citizens Who Rescued Yorkshire Teen

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) awarded the New York State Senate Liberty Medal to three residents of Holland for their role in saving the life of an 18 year old Yorkshire man who was trapped in a burning car.  The men were honored Friday for their heroic actions following a car crash on Phillips Road in Colden on December 1, 2016.  Patrick Hinchy, Richard Montgomery Jr. and David Brown rescued Hunter Delia from the car he was a passenger in after the vehicle went off the road, overturned and burst into flames. 

“There is no doubt that the quick and selfless actions of Patrick, Richard and David saved Hunter’s life,” Gallivan said.  “Their willingness to risk their own safety to help a fellow citizen is truly heroic.  I am honored to present the Liberty Medal to these gentlemen and thank them for their remarkable bravery.  I also want to thank the police, fire and other first responders who assisted at the accident scene that morning.”

According to State Police, the accident occurred around 6:30 a.m. in the 9600 block of Phillips Road.  Hinchy and Montgomery, who were driving two other vehicles, stopped and called 9-1-1.  Along with the help of Brown, who lives nearby, the men attempted to put out the fire and managed to pull Delia from the burning car.  Unfortunately, the driver, Tristan Pleace of Arcade, died in the crash.

Hunter Delia and his parents, Tracy Vacinek and James Delia, were on hand for Friday’s medal presentation.

“There are no words or actions that aptly express our immense gratitude and appreciation for these three gentlemen,” Vacinek said.  “With that being said, we knew it was important for them to be recognized for their heroic actions that day.  Without them, Hunter would not be with us today.  They saved his life.”

In accepting the award, the rescuers praised the police officers, firefighters and others who responded to the accident.

“We wish to accept this award for each and every one of you who puts your life on the line for your fellow man,” Hinchy said.     

Senator Gallivan presented each of the three citizens with a Liberty Medal during ceremonies at the Colden Fire Department as volunteer firefighters from Colden and the Holland Fire Department looked on.  Also present were representatives of the New York State Police and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. 

The Liberty Medal is one of the highest civilian honors that a New York resident can receive and is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers

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