Senate Resolution No. 3733

BY: Senator LARKIN

MOURNING the death of Raymond R. Phillips, former
firefighter, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community

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, Firefighter Raymond R. Phillips heroically performed, above
and beyond the call of duty, those responsibilities which define the
task of fire protection for many years; and

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Raymond R. Phillips of
Washingtonville, New York, who died on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at
the age of 64; and

WHEREAS, Raymond R. Phillips, affectionately known to his friends
and family as Gonzo, was born to the late Raymond R. Phillips and
Florence H. McKeon Phillips in the Bronx, New York; and

WHEREAS, For many years, Raymond R. Phillips was a firefighter for
FDNY Rescue 3 in the Bronx, a position he held until his retirement; he
was one of the brave first responders who spent days trying to help
those people affected by the horrific World Trade Center 9/11 attack;
and

WHEREAS, Raymond R. Phillips was also a member of the South Blooming
Grove Fire Department where he served as Chief, and held the title of
Treasurer of Battalion No. 5 in Orange County; and

WHEREAS, Raymond R. Phillips genuinely loved being a firefighter; he
held various leadership positions within FDNY organizations including
the Holy Name Society and Emerald Society; each year, he enjoyed
dressing up as Santa Claus during the Christmas season to bring some joy
and laughter to the department's widows and children; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Raymond R. Phillips served as a delegate for
Uniformed Firefighters Association, and was a vital member of OCVFA, The
Bravest football team, and the Orange County Retired Firefighters
Association, as well as St. Mary's Church in Washingtonville; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting dedication to his
profession and community, Raymond R. Phillips was named the 2001 Man of
the Year by the Holy Name Society and the 2017 UFA Man of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his sister, Florence Coogan, Raymond R.
Phillips is survived by his wife, Maureen P. Riordan Phillips; two sons,

Raymond D. Phillips and Brian Phillips; one daughter, Courtney
Phillips; one brother, Walter Phillips; and many nieces, nephews and
cousins, as well as a legion of fellow firefighters and friends who will
long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, Raymond R. Phillips
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 Raymond R.
Phillips; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Firefighter Raymond R. Phillips.