LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Firefighter Patrick Mataraza for his
consummate bravery and compassion during a fire in the Bronx

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body has the deepest pride and admiration for
the firefighters of New York State who take prompt and appropriate
action in emergency situations, nobly risking their lives in an effort
to preserve the life of another; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor
Firefighter Patrick Mataraza for his consummate bravery and compassion
during a fire in the Bronx; and
WHEREAS, A member of Ladder Company 33, Firefighter Patrick Mataraza
was climbing up a ladder to rescue a young man in a third story window
at a fire in the Bronx, when he realized the young man has Down
syndrome; and
WHEREAS, Normally, a firefighter would help the young man climb down
but Firefighter Patrick Mataraza worried that because of Down syndrome,
his muscles would be weak; and
WHEREAS, Acting quickly, Firefighter Patrick Mataraza climbed down the
ladder and commandeered the bucket ladder to the window; as the smoke
billowed, he lifted the young man and his father into the bucket and
brought them to the safety of the sidewalk; and
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, 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, Patrick
Mataraza is such a firefighter; and
WHEREAS, Through his spontaneous and heroic actions, Patrick Mataraza
demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of fire-
fighters across the community of the State of New York who respond when
others are in need of help; 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; 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 Firefighter Patrick Mataraza and to
wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Firefighter Patrick Mataraza for his consummate bravery and
compassion during a fire in the Bronx; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Patrick Mataraza.