Senate Resolution No. 2723

BY: Senator ADDABBO

PAYING tribute to the life and valiant service of
Firefighter William Tolley who died in the line of
duty on April 20, 2017

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, Firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and
the strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic
magnitude; their sacrifices and their selfless dedication merit tribute
and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and

WHEREAS, Many firefighters have lost their lives to save the lives
of others; each and every day, they face danger and peril without fear
and perform their job with the utmost concern and professionalism;
Firefighter William Tolley was one such firefighter who died doing what
he loved; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter William Tolley heroically performed, above and
beyond the call of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of
fire protection for 14 years; and

WHEREAS, William "Billy" Tolley was appointed to the Fire Department
of New York on September 14, 2003; after graduating from the FDNY Fire
Academy, he was assigned to Ladder Company 135, in Queens, New York; and

WHEREAS, Extremely devoted and very courageous, Firefighter Billy
Tolley was tragically killed in the line of duty on Thursday, April 20,
2017; this valiant firefighter died from injuries sustained after
falling off a five-story building in Ridgewood, New York; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to the community of Ridgewood, Billy Tolley put
his life on the line willingly in service of others; he was also a
volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Bethpage, New York; and

WHEREAS, Billy Tolley is survived by his wife, Marie, and their
daughter, Isabella, as well as a legion of fellow firefighters and
friends who will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, Billy Tolley touched many
through his kindness and commitment to service, and, as we recall the
loss of this great man, we memorialize his remarkable life and the
enormous impact he had on everyone with whom he came in contact; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of a
courageous firefighter who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family and community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
pay tribute to the life and valiant service of Firefighter William
Tolley who died in the line of duty on April 20, 2017; and be it further


RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Firefighter William Tolley.