LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Plant Utilities Engineer 1 William Kirby
upon the occasion of receiving a medal for his extraordinary service
from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Super-
vision

WHEREAS, The quality and sanctity of community life are cherished values
that are worthy of safeguarding, and this Legislative Body is hereby
moved to honor those exemplary public servants who devote their lives to
preserving and protecting such values; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor and
recognize Plant Utilities Engineer 1 William Kirby of Auburn, New York,
upon the occasion of receiving a medal for his quick and selfless
actions from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community
Supervision; an award ceremony will be held on June 8, 2016, in Albany;
and
WHEREAS, On October 31, 2015, Plant Utilities Engineer (PUE 1) William
Kirby was conducting his duties in the Powerhouse at Auburn Correctional
Facility in Auburn when he was confronted with a dangerous situation;
and
WHEREAS, An electrical malfunction had caused an explosion inside an
electrical vault and the Auburn Correctional Facility lost power; and
WHEREAS, After ensuring that the generator had started, Plant Utili-
ties Engineer 1 William Kirby began resetting the boilers and noticed
that smoke had begun filling the room; and
WHEREAS, Plant Utilities Engineer 1 William Kirby immediately started
to search for the source of the smoke and, upon checking the generator,
found that the top of the generator was on fire; and
WHEREAS, After notifying the Watch Commander of the fire, Plant Utili-
ties Engineer 1 William Kirby returned to the generator to safely shut
it down; he was then able to extinguish the fire with a dry chemical
fire extinguisher; and
WHEREAS, The quick thinking and decisive actions of Plant Utilities
Engineer 1 William Kirby not only saved New York State potentially thou-
sands of dollars in damage and repair costs, but allowed the Auburn
Correctional Facility to maintain its security; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with the finest traditions of the New York State
Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Plant Utilities
Engineer 1 William Kirby has distinguished himself by his dedication and
his exemplary service to protect the citizens of the Central New York
community; and
WHEREAS, The courageous and dedicated efforts of public servants, such
as Plant Utilities Engineer 1 William Kirby, who devote themselves to
protecting the lives of others, are worthy of the praise and recognition
of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and recognize Plant Utilities Engineer 1 William Kirby upon the
occasion of receiving a medal for his extraordinary service from the New
York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Plant Utilities Engineer 1 William Kirby.