LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Timothy Ellis upon the occasion of
receiving the Firefighter of the Year Award from the Firemen's Associ-
ation of the State of New York on August 20, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own 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, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Timothy Ellis upon the occasion of receiving the Firefighter of the Year
Award from the Firemen's Association of the State of New York on August
20, 2009; and
WHEREAS, An Assistant Chief with the North Syracuse Fire Department,
Timothy Ellis was responding to a structure fire on South Main Street on
July 9, 2008, when he was informed that a person was trapped inside the
building; and
WHEREAS, One of the first responders on scene, Timothy Ellis entered
the building without the protection of a hoseline in order to locate and
rescue the victim and quickly encountered intense heat, dense smoke and
fire; and
WHEREAS, During the search, other units arrived on scene and condi-
tions inside of the structure began to rapidly deteriorate; Timothy
Ellis became disoriented and radioed for a "Mayday" to the crews who
were entering the building with multiple hoselines; and
WHEREAS, After regaining his orientation and direction, Timothy Ellis
continued to search for the victim and found him unconscious and wedged
between a bed and the wall in a bedroom; and
WHEREAS, Realizing that the best way to remove the man was through the
interior stairway, Timothy Ellis began dragging the unconscious victim
through the building; he was met by the crew from North Syracuse Fire
Department Engine 8, who helped him bring the man to safety; and
WHEREAS, The victim was turned over to ambulance personnel for resus-
citation efforts and was breathing on his own and undergoing treatment
at University Hospital within the hour of being removed from the burning
building; 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, Since the early days of "teapot steamers," the volunteer
firefighter has been the cornerstone of our great Nation's efforts to
spare us from the ravages of fire; 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; Timothy
Ellis is such a firefighter; and
WHEREAS, Without regard for his own safety and well-being, Timothy
Ellis displayed selfless courage and bravery above and beyond the call
of duty that day, personifying the true meaning of "Volunteer Firefight-
er"; and
WHEREAS, Through his spontaneous and heroic actions, Timothy Ellis
demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of others,
exemplifying 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; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Timothy Ellis upon the occasion of receiving the Firefighter of
the Year Award from the Firemen's Association of the State of New York
on August 20, 2009, and commend him for his consummate courage and brav-
ery which serves as an inspiration to us all; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Timothy Ellis.