LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to Lieutenant Howard J. Carpluk,
Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of the dedication of a pocket park in
his honor on May 20, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor individuals
of great character whose lives served as a remarkable portrait of the
highest ideals of service to their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay trib-
ute to Lieutenant Howard J. Carpluk, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion
of the dedication of a pocket park in his honor at the corner of Gerard
Road and Yaphank Avenue in Yaphank, New York, on Sunday, May 20, 2012;
and
WHEREAS, Howard Carpluk, Jr. joined the Fire Department on August 2,
1986; his first job was with Ladder Company 31 in the Bronx; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, Firefighter Howard Carpluk and another firefighter
entered a burning apartment at 957 Kelly Street in the Bronx and rescued
two men who had been overcome by smoke; the men survived and today each
has five children; and
WHEREAS, A promotion to lieutenant came on February 6, 1999, and Lieu-
tenant Howard Carpluk joined Engine 42 in 2002; he lived in Yaphank, on
Long Island, and was a volunteer firefighter in the nearby community of
East Islip; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Howard Carpluk was also active in the South
Yaphank Civic Association, a community group that was formed to fight
for the closing of a shooting range that sits about a block away from
his home; and
WHEREAS, He loved his community and loved being a firefighter; as a
member of Ladder Company 31 and Engine 42, his dedication was unending;
and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Howard Carpluk was exceptionally devoted to his
wife, Debra, and their two children, Bradley and Paige; he was beloved
throughout his community and was considered a mentor to many; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Howard Carpluk's life was a portrait of service, a
legacy which will long endure the passage of time, and will remain as a
comforting memory to all he served and befriended; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to reflect upon
those outstanding individuals who have made everlasting contributions on
behalf of their fellow man and have truly left their mark on this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to Lieutenant Howard J. Carpluk, Jr. posthumously upon the occa-
sion of the dedication of a pocket park in his honor on May 20, 2012;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Lieutenant Howard J. Carpluk, Jr.