LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Al Herberger upon the occasion being
named Firefighter of the Year by the Erie County Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid
Organization

WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State are renowned throughout the
Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the arduous
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, This Legislative Body is proud to honor Al Herberger upon the
occasion being named Firefighter of the Year by the Erie County Fire
Chiefs Mutual Aid Organization, celebrated at its annual banquet; and
WHEREAS, Al Herberger was selected for this most auspicious honor for
his heroic and lifesaving actions on May 4, 2011; and
WHEREAS, The first to arrive at the May 4, 2011, house fire on Ranch
Trail West in Getzville, New York, Al Herberger entered the home to
alert potential occupants prior to any firefighting vehicles arriving on
location; and
WHEREAS, Battling explosions and imminent danger to himself, Al
Herberger located a single individual who was listening to music on
headphones and unaware of the fire, ultimately leading the occupant out
of the house safely; and
WHEREAS, Due to his astute and courageous actions, firefighter Al
Herberger helped slow the advance of the fire, and ultimately saved the
life of this individual; 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; Al
Herberger is such a firefighter; throughout his years of devoted
service, this volunteer has heroically performed, above and beyond the
call of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire
protection; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Al Herberger upon the occasion being named Firefighter of the Year
by the Erie County Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid Organization; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Al Herberger.