Assembly Resolution No. 350

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

COMMENDING Chief Russell E. Brooks II upon the
occasion of his retirement after 43 years of service
to the Utica Fire Department

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble 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 commend Chief
Russell E. Brooks II upon the occasion of his retirement after 43 years
of dedicated service to the Utica Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Utica, New York, Russell E. Brooks
II grew up in West Utica as one of seven children; and

WHEREAS, Russell E. Brooks II proudly served his country as a member
of the United States Marine Corps; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Russell E.
Brooks II returned to his hometown and began his long and distinguished
career with the Utica Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure which traversed more than
four decades, Russell E. Brooks II held every rank within the
department, including Chief, the esteemed position from which he
officially retired on September 28, 2018, after 14 years of devoted
service; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of this brave firefighter's heroic actions
in the rescue of an individual trapped in a fire, February 28, 1979, was
proclaimed Russell E. Brooks Day in the City of Utica; and

WHEREAS, During the aftermath of the terrorist act of 9/11, Russell
E. Brooks II and 11 of his fellow firefighters responded to Ground Zero
to assist the FDNY with search and rescue operations; this brave act was
featured in the book, Twelve Valiant Men: Utica Firefighters at Ground
Zero; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Russell E. Brooks II served as Board President of The Utica
Food Pantry, Building Committee President for the Irish Cultural Center
and Vice President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians; he also served on
the Board of Directors of the Veteran's Outreach Center; and

WHEREAS, In addition, he volunteers and serves on the Board of
Directors of the Great American Irish Festival; and

WHEREAS, Russell E. Brooks II was selected to carry the Olympic
Torch as one of Utica's Home Town Heroes, as well as Grand Marshal for
the City's 2013 St. Patrick's Day Parade; and

WHEREAS, Russell E. Brooks II has been the proud recipient of
numerous awards and accolades, some of which include being named Man of
the Year by St. Peter's School and as Firefighter of the Year by
American Legion Post No. 229; he was also recognized by the Cornhill
Senior Center for his tireless support, and received the Living Legend
Award from the Boys & Girls Club of the Mohawk Valley; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Marianne, and his
four sons, Patrick, Michael, John and Matthew, who have all shown him
love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters unwaveringly serve our great State with pride,
valor, and integrity; they 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;
Russell E. Brooks II is such a firefighter; throughout 43 years of
devoted service, this firefighter has 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
commend Chief Russell E. Brooks II upon the occasion of his retirement
after 43 years of distinguished service to the Utica Fire Department;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Chief Russell E. Brooks II.