Senate Resolution No. 2824

BY: Senator AKSHAR

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
October 8, 2017, as First Responders Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
applaud outstanding individuals within our communities whose actions and
accomplishments contribute to the health, safety and well-being of the
communities of the State of New York and to the quality of life of its
people; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 8, 2017, as
First Responders Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, First Responders are a unique part of New York State's
history; and

WHEREAS, The methods used by today's First Responders date back to
the American Civil War when Army doctors mobilized new methods of first
aid, helping shape our understanding of first aid and military medicine
today; and

WHEREAS, The first civilian ambulance service in New York was
organized in 1869 by Bellevue Hospital, the oldest operating hospital in
the United States; and

WHEREAS, On September 11, 2001, First Responders were critical in
the hours following the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in
New York City, where 60 police officers and 343 firefighters and
paramedics died; and

WHEREAS, On January 30, 2009, First Responder Mark David from Cape
Vincent, New York, was killed in the line of duty, becoming the
inspiration behind Mark's Law, elevating penalties for the murder of
First Responders in New York State; and

WHEREAS, During Hurricane Irene in 2011, and Superstorm Sandy in
2012, First Responders were at work helping others before helping
themselves, providing care to the thousands of fellow citizens affected
by the storms, while their own homes were destroyed and their families
were in need of assistance; and

WHEREAS, A tragedy of any kind, whether a natural disaster or
senseless catastrophe, never leaves the heart of the community; and

WHEREAS, A First Responder is a person whose job entails being the
first one on the scene of an emergency; and

WHEREAS, First Responders, in many cases, are volunteers and play an
integral role in making a difference in appalling circumstances; and

WHEREAS, First Responders are there whenever people are at risk,
spending countless hours, and sacrificing personal and professional time
to promote the safety of their neighbors; and

WHEREAS, When others are running away from danger, First Responders
are there to make certain lives are saved, doing whatever it takes with
an amazing capacity for courage and compassion; and

WHEREAS, Our unending gratitude and respect are owed to these
devoted individuals whose responsibility is the preservation of life and
who make that responsibility their own by serving as First Responders;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 8, 2017, as
First Responders Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.