Senate Resolution No. 2218

BY: Senator CLEARE

HONORING nine brave FDNY First Responders in
recognition of their prompt and heroic actions on
February 23, 2024

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble firefighters, EMTs, and Medics who exhibit courage
and bravery every day in the course of their duties; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the life and property of
another; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
nine brave FDNY Firefighters in recognition of their prompt and heroic
actions; and

WHEREAS, New York's Bravest defended their title Friday, February
23, 2024, when they saved three people dangling from the window of a
burning building in Harlem, New York, with only a rope in a dramatic and
dangerous rescue; and

WHEREAS, Ladder 28 Firefighter Michael Kotzo, Ladder 28 Probationary
Firefighter Jason Lopez, Squad 41 Firefighter Thomas Morrison, Squad 41
Firefighter Matthew Nolan, and Rescue 3 Firefighter Matthew Murphy
worked together through actions of the most heroic magnitude, rappelling
down the side of 2 St. Nicholas Place with the civilians in their arms
as the raging fire tore through the apartment building; furthermore,
FDNY 10H2 EMT Eisen and EMT Cordiero, as well as FDNY 12R2 Medic Yu and
Medic Barnes were instrumental in the lifesaving recue of trapped
residents; and

WHEREAS, The blaze broke out on the third floor of the six-story
building and quickly overtook the hallways, blocking residents of higher
floors from reaching the stairwell; with no way out, the three residents
fled to the window, only to realize there was no fire escape to flee to
safety; and

WHEREAS, This left these noble firemen with no other option than to
deploy the uncommon and daring rescue method called the "life-saving
rope evolution"; and

WHEREAS, In addition to acknowledging these five brave men, members
from Rescue 3, Ladder 45, Ladder 34, and Squad 41 actively fought the
blaze and should be meritoriously commended for their sacrifices and
selfless dedication; and

WHEREAS, Ladder 28 Firefighter Michael Kotzo, Ladder 28 Probationary
Firefighter Jason Lopez, Squad 41 Firefighter Thomas Morrison, Squad 41
Firefighter Matthew Nolan, Rescue 3 Firefighter Matthew Murphy, EMT
Eisen, EMT Cordiero, Medic Yu, and Medic Barnes, have consistently

demonstrated a level of commitment, dedication, integrity, and
professionalism which truly exemplifies the finest traditions of the New
York City Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that we should
give special recognition to those who work so assiduously for the
betterment of their communities, and acknowledge publicly the heroic
actions performed by the courageous firefighters of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor nine brave FDNY First Responders in recognition of their prompt
and heroic actions on February 23, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ladder 28 Firefighter Michael Kotzo, Ladder 28
Probationary Firefighter Jason Lopez, Squad 41 Firefighter Thomas
Morrison, Squad 41 Firefighter Matthew Nolan, Rescue 3 Firefighter
Matthew Murphy, EMT Eisen, EMT Cordiero, Medic Yu, and Medic Barnes.