LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mello Testa Jr. upon the occasion of his
designation as the 2008 Utica Firefighter of the Year by American Legion
Post 229

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery
every day in the course of their duties; and
WHEREAS, Firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and the
strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic
magnitude; their sacrifices and their selfless dedication merit tribute
and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Mello Testa Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as the 2008 Utica
Firefighter of the Year by American Legion Post 229; and
WHEREAS, A New York State certified paramedic, Firefighter Testa had
two life-saving rescues in 2008; as a result of his courageous and
valiant actions, he saved an individual who was hanging from a burning
building as well as a person caught inside a blazing structure; and
WHEREAS, Distinguishing himself with these acts of bravery, Firefight-
er Testa is a shining example of what a firefighter from the Utica Fire
Department represents, but more importantly, he is an example of the
best of what humanity has to offer; 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; Mello
Testa Jr. is such a firefighter; throughout his years of devoted
service, he has heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty,
those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude to
those devoted individuals who recognize that the preservation of life
and property is a sacred responsibility and who make that responsibility
their own by serving as firefighters; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mello Testa Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as the 2008
Utica Firefighter of the Year by American Legion Post 229; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Mello Testa Jr.