Senate Resolution No. 2976

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Lieutenant Joe Morgia upon the
occasion of his retirement after 30 years of
dedicated service to the Utica Fire Department

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate
Lieutenant Joe Morgia upon the occasion of his retirement after 30 years
of dedicated service to the Utica Fire Department; his last day on the
job was Monday, February 24, 2020; and

WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Joe Morgia has continually
demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence, and
diligent leadership in his unwavering service to both his country and
his community; and

WHEREAS, A proud veteran of the United States Army, Lieutenant Joe
Morgia has spent decades helping others in a variety of public safety
roles including dispatcher, firefighter, and paramedic; and

WHEREAS, Known around the department as an exceptional worker and an
asset to the force, Lieutenant Joe Morgia was instrumental in bringing
ambulance services to Utica, he was admired for his great skills and
demonstrated compassion for all those he treated; and

WHEREAS, Having seen his fair share of tragedy in the aftermath of
the terrorist attacks in New York City on 9/11, as well as some terrible
local fires and injuries, Lieutenant Joe Morgia never lost his enjoyment
of being a firefighter and helping people; and

WHEREAS, During his distinguished career, Lieutenant Joe Morgia has
always remained positive, and focuses on the many moments of joy in his
career, such as safely delivering seven babies; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career, which spanned three decades,
Lieutenant Joe Morgia put his life on the line in an effort to protect
the safety of others, always working diligently to protect his community
and its residents from fire and other dangers; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters unwaveringly serve our great State with pride,
valor, and integrity; these respected people are often the first to
respond to an emergency, whether the emergency is a fire, transportation
accident, natural disaster, act of terrorism, medical crisis, or spill
of hazardous materials; 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;
Joe Morgia is one such firefighter; throughout 30 years of devoted
service, this man heroically performed, above and beyond the call of
duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Lieutenant Joe Morgia upon the occasion of his retirement
after 30 years of dedicated service to the Utica Fire Department; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Lieutenant Joe Morgia.