Elmont, NY - February 12, 2017 - Today, Senator Todd Kaminsky, alongside Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, had the honor of awarding a Liberty Medal, the highest civilian honor a state senator can bestow, to Elmont volunteer firefighter Jeffrey Dupoux. While off duty on February 1, Dupoux helped pull a woman on the Long Island Expressway to safety from a burning vehicle.

“Jeffrey Dupoux showed extraordinary courage when he stopped and risked his own safety for another,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky. “I am honored to award this Liberty Medal to Dupoux for his selfless and heroic actions. He exemplified the commitment to service that Dupoux and all of our first responders show in the line of duty. He truly was the right man in the right place at the right time. ”

“On behalf of the Twenty-second Assembly District, I wish to thank Elmont Volunteer Fireman Jeffrey Dupoux for his heroic actions on the Long Island Expressway,” stated Assemblywoman Michaelle  Solages. “His calm demeanor, quick thinking, and dedication, saved a young woman’s life. The community applauds Mr. Dupoux and encourages New Yorkers to follow his example of selfless devotion to duty.”

During the morning of Wednesday, February 1, after a collision on the Long Island Expressway, Dupoux and Highway Patrol Officer Mutarelli saved Melissa Ortiz, who was trapped in her burning vehicle. They pulled her to safety through a broken window with help from at least one other person.

The New York State Liberty Medal award program is the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed by a Member of the New York State Senate. Liberty Medals are adopted by resolution and remain on file in the Secretary of the Senate’s Office. Criteria for receiving the award include meritorious, humanitarian, selfless, noble, heroic and exceptional actions.