Senate Resolution No. 2060

BY: Senator MAYER

MOURNING the untimely death and paying tribute to
the life and heroic service of Deputy Chief Orio
Joseph Palmer who died in the line of duty on
September 11, 2001

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
a courageous and hardworking firefighter who dedicated his purposeful
life and career in faithful service to both his family and the residents
of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Chief Orio Joseph Palmer married Debbie, the love of
his life on April 17, 1983, and had three children who carry on his
legacy, Dana, Keith, and Alyssa; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this Legislative Body
records the tragic and untimely death of Deputy Chief Orio Joseph
Palmer, who made the ultimate sacrifice on Tuesday, September 11, 2001,
at the age of 45; and

WHEREAS, Battalion 7 Deputy Chief Orio Joseph Palmer was well known
in the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) for both his dedication and
athletic endeavors; to celebrate what would have been his 60th birthday,
a white rose was placed on the 9/11 Memorial; and

WHEREAS, On September 11, 2001, after taking an elevator to the 41st
floor, Deputy Chief Orio Joseph Palmer climbed 37 flights of stairs with
approximately 50 pounds of gear and made it to the South Tower sky lobby
on the 78th floor; he is one of the few reported first responders who
was able to make it that far up the World Trade Center towers; and

WHEREAS, According to The 9/11 Commission Report, Deputy Chief Orio
Joseph Palmer and his team freed a group of civilians who were trapped
in an elevator one minute before the tower collapsed at 9:59 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, Following his death, the FDNY named its fitness test after
this courageous man who selflessly gave his life to save the lives of
countless others; and

WHEREAS, Renowned as a rising star within his department for his
smarts, nerve and decency, as well as his physical fitness, Orio Joseph
Palmer successfully completed the New York City marathon, a dozen
half-marathons, and two triathlons; in addition, he was the first New
York City Fire Department (FDNY) member to be awarded the department's
physical fitness award five times; and

WHEREAS, Orio Joseph Palmer graduated from Cardinal Spellman High
School in the Bronx, New York, in 1974, and held an Associate degree in
Electrical Technology; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Deputy Chief Orio Joseph Palmer leaves behind a legacy which

will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting
memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the life and heroic actions of Deputy Chief Orio Joseph Palmer,
and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Deputy Chief Orio Joseph Palmer.