LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 20-26, 2012, as Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Week in the
State of New York in recognition of the sacrifices and contributions
these outstanding individuals make to protect and to care for the resi-
dents of our great State

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
just tribute to those individuals who devote their purposeful life to
serving others, expressing its highest regard and admiration for the
great skill and courageous dedication exhibited by those individuals who
take prompt and heroic action in an emergency situation, without due
regard for their own safety or welfare; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body welcomes the opportunity to
observe May 20-26, 2012, as Volunteer Firefighter and Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) Week in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The members of four vital organizations which play a signif-
icant role in caring for the residents of New York State include the
Firemen's Association of the State of New York, The Chiefs Association,
the Fire District Association, and the Volunteer Ambulance Association;
and
WHEREAS, It takes a special dedication, a strong desire to help others
and a tireless sense of community to be a volunteer firefighter, to
respond to the signal that a neighbor is in need, and to heroically
perform, often above and beyond the call of duty, those responsibilities
which define the task of fire protection; and
WHEREAS, Emergency medical services providers have traditionally
served as the safety net of America's healthcare system; the members of
EMS teams are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours
a day, seven days a week; and
WHEREAS, More than 75 percent of the emergency response in the great
State of New York is volunteer; the selfless contribution these men and
women make to New York's quality of life cannot be replaced; and
WHEREAS, It is important for all citizens of our State and nation to
know and understand the problems, duties and responsibilities of their
Volunteer Firefighters and EMS personnel, and that these brave volun-
teers recognize their duty to serve the public by safeguarding both life
and property; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 20-26, 2012, as
Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Week in the State of New York in recogni-
tion of the sacrifices and contributions these outstanding individuals
make to protect and to care for the residents of the Empire State; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State New
York, and to FASNY, The Chiefs Association, the Fire District Associ-
ation, and the Volunteer Ambulance Association, with the deepest appre-
ciation of this Legislative Body on behalf of the people of the State of
New York.