LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lilton L. Kelley for his bravery and
compassion at a house fire in Buffalo, New York on April 28, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of those individuals who take prompt and
appropriate action in emergency situations, helping others to avert
life-threatening danger; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Lilton L. Kelley for his bravery and compassion at a house fire in
Buffalo, New York on April 28, 2009; and
WHEREAS, A Buffalo narcotics detective recovering from hip replacement
surgery, Lilton L. Kelley was headed to physical therapy when he came
across a burning house on Janet Street; and
WHEREAS, As flames and smoke poured out of the second floor of the
structure, Lilton L. Kelley called 911 and then began banging on all the
doors with his cane to alert anyone inside to get out; despite his fran-
tic efforts, he was unable to get a response; and
WHEREAS, Northeast District Police Officer George Fletcher pulled up
to the scene and Lilton L. Kelley instructed him to grab a piece of
landscaping timber and break open a door window; and
WHEREAS, As Lilton L. Kelley and Police Officer George Fletcher rushed
inside, a woman was coming toward them to answer the door; the two men
told her that there was a fire and brought her outside to safety; and
WHEREAS, Firefighters arrived just as the three were coming out of the
burning house, and one of the first reports the firefighters radioed
into dispatch was that the occupant had gotten out of the house
unharmed; and
WHEREAS, Through his spontaneous and heroic actions, Lilton L. Kelley
demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying the collective concern of ordinary citizens across the
community of the State of New York who voluntarily respond when others
are in need of help; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Lilton L. Kelley and to wish him
continued success in all of his future endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lilton L. Kelley for his bravery and compassion at a house fire in
Buffalo, New York on April 28, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lilton L. Kelley.