LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jim Franklin in recognition of his hero-
ic actions during a fire in Wellsville, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of those citizens who take prompt action
in emergency situations, and in doing so, help others to avert life-
threatening danger; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, this Legislative Body hereby
honors Jim Franklin in recognition of his heroic acts in saving the life
of another citizen of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, On January 21, 2011, Jim Franklin and Ross Ward, on duty with
Medical Transport Service, were en route to a non-emergency medical call
when Allegany County Dispatch issued tones for a possible structure fire
with entrapment in Wellsville, at the same address of their call; and
WHEREAS, Upon arrival at the scene, flames and smoke were observed
coming from the apartment building at 262 East Dyke Street; and
WHEREAS, A firefighter with Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department, Jim
Franklin, with Friendship Fire Department firefighter Ross Ward, entered
the smoke-filled apartment; and
WHEREAS, Jim Franklin and Ross Ward then crawled below the smoke
through the kitchen, where they found Georganna Payne unresponsive but
still breathing; they removed her from the building, leaving her in the
care of the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps; and
WHEREAS, Without regard for their personal safety, these dedicated
firemen re-entered the apartment to rescue the other person in the
apartment, but the smoke and heat intensified so that they were unable
to go into the building; and
WHEREAS, Working quickly to provide medical care to Georganna Payne,
Jim Franklin and Ross Ward accompanied her in the ambulance to Jones
Memorial Hospital, where they transferred care to the emergency room
staff; and
WHEREAS, Jim Franklin, through his heroic actions, demonstrated his
character and compassion for the welfare of another, personifying, by
virtue of his actions, the collective concern of ordinary citizens
across the communities of the State of New York who voluntarily respond
when others are in need of help; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize and honor citizens who take extraordinary action to protect the
lives of their neighbors in this great Empire State; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jim Franklin in recognition of his heroic actions during a fire in
Wellsville, New York, in saving the life of Georganna Payne; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jim Franklin.