Senate Resolution No. 3453

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING four members of the Corinth Volunteer
Fire Department in recognition of their prompt and
heroic efforts in helping to save two house fire
victims and their pets

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; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor four members
of the Corinth Volunteer Fire Department in recognition of their prompt
and heroic efforts in helping to save two house fire victims and their
pets to be celebrated at its Annual Banquet; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to join with the
town of Corinth, in recognizing the heroic and courageous acts by
members of its Fire Department in saving two victims and their pets in a
house fire on Monday, November 20, 2017; and

WHEREAS, The highly skilled and courageous firefighters meriting
this prestigious recognition are Second Assistant Chief Steven J. Denton
II, First Lieutenant Brandon W. Stautner, Captain Derrick S. Barss, and
Chief Justin C. Burwell; and

WHEREAS, Disregarding their own personal safety and acting in a
manner which personifies the finest traditions of those who place their
lives in order to serve others, these firefighters bravely and without
hesitation, risked their own lives to rescue two children and their pets
from a house fire on late Monday morning, November 20, 2017; and

WHEREAS, At 10:46 a.m., the Corinth Volunteer Fire Department was
dispatched to a working structure fire; once they arrived, they were
informed there were people trapped inside; four firefighters quickly
entered the building, and as they were ascending to the second floor,
heard a baby crying on the first floor; and

WHEREAS, The four men began searching the bottom floor and found a
three year-old child in the living room; they immediately picked up and
brought the baby to safety outside; they went back into the fiery
building and found an 18-month old baby in a bedroom, and carried this
child to safety as well; and

WHEREAS, During the search, firefighters also discovered the
family's beloved pets, and saved them from the terrible heat, smoke and
flames of the fire; and

WHEREAS, The young children were treated by EMS and transported to a
nearby hospital for treatment; and

WHEREAS, Through their unwavering commitment to serve and protect
the community and citizens of Corinth, New York, and their unqualified
response to carrying out their duties irrespective of the peril and the

personal dangers, these firefighters have uniquely distinguished
themselves and contributed significantly to that spirit of united
purpose and shared concern which is the cornerstone of public service
and community life; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters unwaveringly serve our great State with pride,
valor, and integrity; these respected volunteers are often the first to
respond to an emergency, whether the emergency is a fire, transportation
accident, natural disaster, act of terrorism, medical crisis, or spill
of hazardous materials; and

WHEREAS, It takes a special dedication, a strong desire to help
others and a tireless sense of community to forsake precious time with
family and friends to respond to the signal that a neighbor is in need;
these four brave men are such firefighters; these volunteers heroically
performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those responsibilities
which define the task of fire protection; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor four members of the Corinth Volunteer Fire Department in
recognition of their prompt and heroic efforts in helping to save two
house fire victims and their pets; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the aforementioned Firefighters and to Andy Kelley, Fire
Chief, Corinth Volunteer Fire Department.