Senate Resolution No. 1737

BY: Senator MARTINS

COMMENDING Fire Supervising Dispatcher Rodni
Leftwich Sr. for his heroic efforts in assisting the
response to a fire emergency

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens who devote themselves to public
service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the
care and welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Fire Supervising Dispatcher Rodni Leftwich Sr. for his heroic
efforts in assisting the response to a fire emergency, who will be
celebrated at the Glen Cove Fire Department's Annual Installation Dinner
on Saturday, April 11, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Rodni Leftwich
Sr. is such an individual; and

WHEREAS, Rodni Leftwich Sr. is a fire supervising dispatcher serving
the Glen Cove, New York, community, and during his shift on Thursday,
April 17, 2025, he received a call via Nassau 911 from an individual who
was in a building fire; and

WHEREAS, The distressed individual calling Nassau 911 reported that
she and her family were trapped on the second floor of the burning
building and had no way to escape; while the woman provided information,
Rodni Leftwich Sr. was on the other end of the phone, collecting all
necessary details in a calm and focused manner; and

WHEREAS, Rodni Leftwich Sr. took all the essential information from
the distressed caller and promptly reported it to Glen Cove Fire
Department First Assistant Chief Justin Valeo, who was already arriving
at the scene; and

WHEREAS, As a result of Rodni Leftwich Sr.'s quick communication,
the firefighters responding to the scene were aware of at-risk lives
within the burning building, and they were able to prioritize evacuation
efforts at the scene; 12 individuals were successfully evacuated from
the building by first responders; and

WHEREAS, Rodni Leftwich Sr.'s service as a fire supervising
dispatcher is essential to the success of fire rescue efforts; without
the work of Rodni Leftwich Sr. and other dispatchers, brave first
responders would not be able to quickly prepare and respond to
emergencies throughout their communities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Fire Supervising Dispatcher Rodni Leftwich Sr. for his heroic
efforts in assisting the response to a fire emergency; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Fire Supervising Dispatcher Rodni Leftwich Sr.