LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and service of Lieu-
tenant Firefighter Jarrett Eleam, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery
every day in the course of thier duties; Lieutenant Jarrett Eliam was
one such firefighter; and
WHEREAS, Jarrett Eleam of Hamburg, New York, died doing what he loved
best, on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at the age of 26; at the time of
his death he held the illustrious position of Lieutenant Firefighter
with the Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company; and
WHEREAS, A 2007 graduate of Duquesne University, Jarrett Eleam earned
his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration; one year later he
moved to Hamburg, New York, and in 2009 he proudly became a member of
the Hamburg's Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company; and
WHEREAS, Jarrett Eleam was a rising star within the department, moving
quickly up the ranks; he answered 480 fire calls in 2010, the fourth-hi-
ghest in the company; his strong work ethic and devotion to his field
earned him the esteemed recent promotion to Fire Prevention Lieutenant;
and
WHEREAS, His Hamburg's Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company family will
always remember this outstanding man for the work and dedication he
showed the fire company as well as the community, but most importantly,
for his quality of character; and
WHEREAS, Jarrett Eleam was a compassionate and caring young man who
loved his community and was always volunteering his time and energy to
those in need; he was a very special human being, someone who made you
smile and was always there to offer a helping hand; and
WHEREAS, Jarrett Eleam was warm, friendly and extremely good with
children, always nurturing them with the utmost concern; his hope for
the future was to connect with the younger generation, teaching them
fire safety and fire prevention in the area schools; and
WHEREAS, Even in death, Jarrett Eleam continues to save lives as an
organ donor, leaving behind a legacy of saving lives, his immense heart
and generous nature have made his family very proud; predeceased by two
siblings, he is survived by his loving parents and nine brothers and
sisters; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Jarrett Eleam leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as comforting memory to all the served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the life and service of Lieutenant Firefighter Jarrett Eleam,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Lieutenant Firefighter Jarrett Eleam.