LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ross Ward in recognition of his heroic
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 Ross Ward in recognition of his heroic acts in saving the life of
another citizen of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, On January 21, 2011, Ross Ward and Jim Franklin, 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 Friendship Fire Department, Ross Ward,
with Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Jim Franklin,
entered the smoke-filled apartment; and
WHEREAS, Ross Ward and Jim Franklin 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,
Ross Ward and Jim Franklin accompanied her in the ambulance to Jones
Memorial Hospital, where they transferred care to the emergency room
staff; and
WHEREAS, Ross Ward, through his heroic actions, demonstrated his char-
acter 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 Ross Ward 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 Ross Ward.