Assembly Resolution No. 479

BY: M. of A. Gunther

MOURNING the death of William J. Steinberg,
Assistant Chief of Forestburgh Fire Company No. 1,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
a courageous and hardworking firefighter who dedicated his purposeful
life and career in faithful service to both his family and the residents
of New York State; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this Legislative Body
records the tragic and untimely passing of Assistant Chief William J.
Steinberg of Forestburgh, New York, who made the ultimate sacrifice on
Saturday, January 15, 2022, at the age of 37; and

WHEREAS, Born on February 16, 1984, in Port Jervis, New York,
William Joseph "Billy" Steinberg was the son of James E. Steinberg Sr.
and Laura R. Clark Steinberg; and

WHEREAS, A fourth generation firefighter, William J. Steinberg began
his illustrious career with Forestburgh Fire Company No. 1 in February
of 2000 as a Junior Firefighter, completing his initial fire training
within eight months of joining the fire service; and

WHEREAS, While a Junior Firefighter, for his Eagle Scout project,
William J. Steinberg ensured every property in the Town of Forestburgh
was provided a street address sign to increase the response capabilities
of all emergency responders coming into the town; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, always going above and beyond, he also offered
to post each and every sign for the residents of his beloved community
to ensure visibility for first responders; his signs can still be seen
throughout the town more than 20 years later; and

WHEREAS, Promoted to Interior Firefighter in 2002, William J.
Steinberg went on to climb the ranks to become Lieutenant and later
Captain; during this time, he also served as Chairman for several
committees, including as the President of the Fire Company; and

WHEREAS, Elected to the esteemed position of Assistant Chief in
2021, William J. Steinberg was selflessly working on the scene of a
structure fire, tirelessly dedicated to ensuring the safety of his
fellow firefighters, when he suffered a medical event that led to his
passing; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to Forestburgh Fire Company No. 1, William J.
Steinberg's able leadership throughout his tenure will forever stand as
a paradigm and inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, William J. Steinberg was a member of Mahogany Ridge Hunting
Camp, the National Rifle Association, the Firefighters Association of

the State of New York, and the Eagle Scout Association, Class of 2000;
he also worked for Sullivan Paving for over 16 years, and Black Bear
Fuel Oil as a delivery man; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his parents, William J. Steinberg is
survived by a brother, James E. Steinberg Jr. and his wife, Stephanie of
Monticello; three stepsons, Tyler Wheat (Lexie), Kyle Wheat and Brandon
Wheat; five nieces and nephews: James E. Steinberg III, Nicole,
Baileigh, Jackson and Logan Steinberg; and aunts and uncles, Annie
(Phil) Kavecki, Wanda (Sam) Berger, Debbie (Don) Swanerbury, and Ralph
Steinberg Jr. "Chip" (Debs); as well as several cousins and many
friends; and

WHEREAS, William J. Steinberg's infinite selflessness and
benevolence will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories;
his life of service and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love,
light and hope to the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, William J. Steinberg leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of William J. Steinberg, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of William J. Steinberg.