WARWICK – Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) joined local officials and first responders on a bright Tuesday morning to present Warwick Fire Captain, Port Authority Police Officer, and longtime Warwick resident Kevin Colomba with a Liberty Medal.
The Liberty Medal is the highest civilian honor that a resident can receive from the New York State Legislature and is awarded to individuals for exceptional, heroic, life-saving acts. Colomba’s heroism and selflessness shined through when he risked his own life to rescue three individuals from a fiery car wreckage in Tuxedo.
On October 30, 2023, Colomba just wrapped up a midnight shift with the Port Authority at the George Washington Bridge when he came across a collision on Route 17A in Tuxedo. Without hesitation, the off-duty police officer sprang into action, diving headfirst into the tumultuous scene. He pulled one driver out from their burning vehicle, and returned to extract two other individuals trapped in the second vehicle, engulfed in intensifying flames.
“On this day, Colomba went above and beyond the call of duty, placing himself in harm’s way to rescue our neighbors,” said Skoufis. “I am deeply honored to present him with this gesture of appreciation for an extraordinary act of courage. His sense of duty and selflessness exemplifies the highest standards of public service.”
“It is an honor to continue to watch Kevin grow since he joined the Fire department in 2006. He has accomplished so much in this department from assisting with fire prevention, to leading our color guard, to becoming the Captain of Goodwill Hook and Ladder Company #1. There is never a time or day where I doubt Kevin’s ability,” said Chief Mike Contaxis, Warwick Fire Department.
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