BILL NUMBER:S2173

TITLE OF BILL:
An act
to amend the executive law, in relation to designating the month of
September as firefighter, police officer and emergency medical
technician appreciation month

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Designates the month of September as firefighter, police officer and
emergency medical technician appreciation month in celebration
of their efforts and sacrifices to vigilantly serve their communities.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
This bill amends the executive law by adding section 168-b.

Subdivision 1 defines the term "month of commemoration" as a calendar
month designated by section 168, gubernatorial proclamation or
a joint house resolution.

Subdivision 2 clarifies the "month of commemoration" as a designation
only for recognition and special honor and not a holiday.

Subdivision 3 declares September for the annual commemoration of
firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians.

              

JUSTIFICATION:
On September 11, 2001 America experienced the most devastating attack
on its homeland since Japanese suicide bombers struck our Naval
facilities at Pearl Harbor. This despicable attack by cowardly
terrorists resulted in the death of nearly 3,000 innocent civilians
and public servants of this state and nation. Among them were 75
police officers, 343 firefighters, and emergency
medical technicians who paid the ultimate price while doing a job to
which they were extraordinarily dedicated. Their heroic service and
sacrifice is indelible in our history of great public service as
Americans.

Since that tragic event, New Yorkers and good people from around the
world have paid tribute to their heroism and established symbols
in cherished memory of their lives and sacrifices. The acts of
bravery and service of those who died on September 11, 2001 will never
be forgotten but we all know that those who have taken their
places
as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians
may one day be called upon to make similar sacrifices.

Our brave and devoted police officers, firefighters and emergency
medical technicians should not receive our appreciation only as a
result of tragic occurrences. Their unwavering commitment to duty, to
our state and to our nation should always be recognized and honored.
It is not only appropriate, but also good public policy to
designate a reasonable period dedicated to showing our appreciation.
In tribute and cherished memory of our heroes who gave their all on
September 11, 2001, this bill will designate the month of September
as a time to show appreciation and also provides an annual period


where we can recognize and celebrate the service of those who
now and in the future will fill the places of our heroes who have
served.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S.7646 of 2004    - Third Reading
S.1930 of 2005-06 - Finance
S.456 of  2007-08 - Passed Senate
S.1595 of 2009-10 - Finance, Third Reading

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding
the date on which it shall have become a law.