LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION expressing sincerest, heartfelt condolences to
the victims of the devastating fire that took place at Riverview Indi-
vidual Residential Alternative (IRA) group home, and applauding all
those who acted astutely and heroically in the face of danger

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the tragedy of the devastating
fire that took place at the Riverview Individual Residential Alternative
(IRA) group home, and the loss of life and damage that have been
sustained by the victims and their loved ones; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, March 21, 2009, fire broke out at approximately
5:30 a.m. at Riverview IRA, a state-operated, 24-hour supervised group
home, located in Wells, New York, in Hamilton County; and
WHEREAS, This fatal tragedy claimed the lives of four of the nine
developmentally disabled patients residing in the home, who were
involved in the fire; the four residents who perished include: Anthony
Vitti, Theresa Williams, Gloria Bonilla, and Corey Desotelle; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
noble efforts of each and every staff member of both the Riverview IRA
and Sunmount Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO), all
emergency personnel, investigators, neighbors, and community members, as
well as Diana Jones Ritter, Commissioner of the Office of Mental Retar-
dation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) and Helene DeSanto, Direc-
tor of Sunmount DDSO, who responded quickly and valiantly, coming to the
aid of the residents; and
WHEREAS, With a strong sense of community, the outpouring of assist-
ance and caring from the Wells, Speculator, and surrounding neighbor-
hoods has been exceptional; the people of this great State have opened
their homes, and have donated food and other necessities, to those
affected by this heartbreaking tragic event; and
WHEREAS, On behalf of the people of the State of New York, the members
of this Legislative Body offer their deepest condolences to the families
and friends of those who died; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
express sincerest, heartfelt condolences to the victims of the devastat-
ing fire that took place at Riverview Individual Residential Alternative
(IRA) group home, and to applaud all those who acted astutely and hero-
ically in the face of danger; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the families of Anthony Vitti, Theresa Williams, Gloria
Bonilla, and Corey Desotelle.