Senate Bill S1595

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S1595

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to designating the
month of September as firefighter, police officer and emergency
medical technician appreciation month


 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :
Designates the month of September as firefighter, police officer and
emergency medical technician appreciation month in celebration of
their efforts and sacrifices to vigilantly serve their communities.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :
This bill amends the executive law by adding section 168-b.

Subdivision 1 defines the term "month of commemoration" as a calendar
month designated by section 168, gubernatorial proclamation or a joint
house resolution.

Subdivision 2 clarifies the "month of commemoration" as a designation
only for recognition and special honor and not a holiday.

Subdivision 3 declares September for the annual commemoration of
firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians.

              

 JUSTIFICATION :
On September 11, 2001 America experienced the most devastating attack
on its homeland since Japanese suicide bombers struck our Naval
facilities at Pearl Harbor. This despicable attack by cowardly
terrorists resulted in the death of nearly 3,000 innocent civilians
and public servants of this state and nation. Among them were 75
police officers, 343 firefighters, and emergency medical technicians
who paid the ultimate price while doing a job to which they were
extraordinarily dedicated. Their heroic service and sacrifice is
indelible in our history of great public service as Americans.

Since that tragic event, New Yorkers and good people from around the
world have paid tribute to their heroism and established symbols in
cherished memory of their lives and sacrifices. The acts of bravery
and service of those who died on September 11, 2001 will never be
forgotten but we all know that those who have taken their places as
police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians may
one day be called upon to make similar sacrifices.

Our brave and devoted police officers, firefighters and emergency
medical technicians should not receive our appreciation only as a
result of tragic occurrences. Their unwavering commitment to duty, to
our state and to our nation should always be recognized and honored.
It is not only appropriate, but also good public policy to designate a
reasonable period dedicated to showing our appreciation.  In tribute
and cherished memory of our heroes who gave their all on September 11,
2001, this bill will designate the month of September as a time to
show appreciation and also provides an annual period where we can
recognize and celebrate the service of those who now and in the future
will fill the places of our heroes who have served.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
S.7646 of 2004, Third Reading
S.1930 of 2005-06 - Finance
S.456 of 2007-08 - Passed Senate

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
None to the State.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the
date on which it shall have become a law.