LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely and tragic death of Lieu-
tenant Charles McCarthy of the Buffalo Fire Department

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State are renowned throughout
the Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the ardu-
ous field of fire protection and prevention; and
WHEREAS, Firefighters and fire departments not only provide the crit-
ical service of fire protection but also engage in other activities of
great benefit and importance to the communities they serve; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Charles McCarthy died during a three alarm fire on
the morning of Monday, August 24, 2009; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Buffalo Firefighters Union Local No. 282,
Charles "Chip" McCarthy was a 22-year veteran assigned to Rescue 1 and
was valiantly fighting the fire at a deli on Genesee Street on the
city's East Side; this tragedy was the department's worst loss of life
in the last 26 years; and
WHEREAS, A great asset to society, Lieutenant Charles McCarthy is
going to be truly missed and will be a great loss to the Buffalo Fire
Department; 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; Lieu-
tenant Charles McCarthy was such a firefighter; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his years of devoted service, Lieutenant Charles
McCarthy heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those
responsibilities which define the task of fire protection; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Charles McCarthy is survived by his loving wife
Terri, his children, Stephanie, Charles III, and Shannon, his grand-
daughter, Taliana, his parents, Charles W. Sr. and Marilyn, his brother,
Dan, and his mother-in-law, Christine; and
WHEREAS, Chip McCarthy continued his civic endeavors by raising and
rescuing many dogs, including the following: Sophie, Lexi, Toby, Olivia,
Isabella, Ivan and McKayla; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely and tragic death of Lieutenant Charles McCarthy of
the Buffalo Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Lieutenant Charles McCarthy.