LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Charles Karen posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of the Firefighter of the Year
Award by the American Legion Post No. 304

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 their duties; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of another; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Charles Karen
posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Firefighter of the Year Award by the American Legion Post No. 304; this
momentous occasion was celebrated at its Annual Awards Night on Wednes-
day, March 2, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Charles Karen will receive this auspicious award in recogni-
tion of his steadfast and unwavering dedication to his community; and
WHEREAS, Charles Karen, affectionately known as Chuck, joined Manhas-
set-Lakeville Fire Department Company No. 2 on August 2, 1991; in addi-
tion, he valiantly served as a Police Officer with the New York Police
Department (NYPD); and
WHEREAS, During his illustrious tenure, Charles Karen worked tireless-
ly to provide life-saving service to his community, and selflessly gave
of his time and energies during the aftermath of the terrorist attacks
of September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, The prompt and noble actions of Charles Karen are a tremen-
dous inspiration to his fellow firefighters and officers, and the State
of New York is proud to recognize his exemplary service; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Firefighter Charles Karen displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout was his wife, Tina, and their children,
Charles and Dominic, all of whom feel privileged to have been a part of
his life; 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; Charles
Karen was one such firefighter; throughout his many years of devoted
service, this volunteer heroically performed, above and beyond the call
of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection
in the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Charles Karen posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Firefighter of the Year Award by the American Legion
Post No. 304; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Charles Karen.