Senate Resolution No. 1550

BY: Senator KAPLAN

HONORING the Great Neck Alert Junior Firefighters
upon the occasion of their designation as recipient
of the Youth Group of the Year by the Firemen's
Association of the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord
with its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and
leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the
ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
the Great Neck Alert Junior Firefighters upon the occasion of their
designation as recipient of the Youth Group of the Year by the Firemen's
Association of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, For the first time in its nearly 40-year history, the Great
Neck Alert Junior Firefighters received this prestigious award at a
Ceremony on Saturday, May 11, 2019; and

WHEREAS, It is also the first time this vital organization has been
led entirely of young women; the five female members who were elected to
the leadership of the Great Neck Alert Junior Firefighters are: Julia
Motchkavitz, Captain; Maya Garfinkel, First Lieutenant; Lauren Murphy,
Second Lieutenant; Abigail Garcia, Recording Secretary; and Alexandra
Kessler, Financial Secretary; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1982, the 30-member group is made up of male
and female students 12-17 years old, who meet twice a month for training
sessions and help the department host fire prevention seminars and
organize other community events; approximately 40 percent of current
Great Neck Alert Firefighters started in the junior program; and

WHEREAS, Young men and women of singular distinction, the Great Neck
Alert Junior Firefighters have distinguished themselves as young men and
women of superlative ability, establishing a high standard of excellence
and purposefulness of life rarely achieved in youthful years; 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;
the members of the Great Neck Alert Junior Firefighters desire to be
such firefighters; and

WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, the
members of the Great Neck Alert Junior Firefighters now stand honorably,
with just pride in their accomplishments and in eager anticipation of
future challenges, understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and
support provided by Senior Firefighters, mentors, and their parents;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Great Neck Alert Junior Firefighters upon the occasion of

their designation as recipient of the Youth Group of the Year by the
Firemen's Association of the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Great Neck Alert Junior Firefighters.