Senate Resolution No. 407

BY: Senator RHOADS

HONORING Fire Chief James Walsh and 3rd Assistant
Fire Chief Jeffrey Rosenthal upon the occasion of
their designation for special recognition for their
prompt actions while at the scene of a fire
emergency

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of exemplary citizens and first
responders who take prompt and appropriate action in emergency
situations, and in doing so, help others to avert life-threatening
danger; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Fire Chief James Walsh and 3rd Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey Rosenthal
upon the occasion of their designation for special recognition for their
prompt actions while at the scene of a fire emergency on Monday, October
28, 2024, in East Meadow, New York; and

WHEREAS, On the morning of October 28, 2024, Chief Walsh and 3rd
Assistant Chief Rosenthal arrived at the scene of a house fire as
residents began evacuating the home; and

WHEREAS, Upon assessment of the scene, Chief Walsh reported heavy
smoke from the front door; 3rd Assistant Chief Rosenthal was preparing
for his role as interior attack Chief as an occupant of the home warned
him of a victim still trapped in the house amidst the roaring blazes;
and

WHEREAS, The victim inside was a 96-year-old woman, stuck stagnant
on the stairs which led from the bedroom level to the kitchen level;
both Chief Walsh and 3rd Assistant Chief Rosenthal, in an instant and
selfless decision, entered the structure immediately, despite 3rd
Assistant Chief Rosenthal being only partially in his full gear; and

WHEREAS, Upon entering the structure, Chief Walsh discovered the
victim had fallen down a couple stairs and remained there, awaiting
help; the victim had multiple lacerations from her fall and had been
coughing forcefully from smoke inhalation; and

WHEREAS, With flames rolling just six feet above the victim's head,
Chief Walsh moved the victim down the remaining stairs to the kitchen
level, where 3rd Assistant Chief Rosenthal aided in finding a
semi-protected area on the kitchen level; they lifted the victim onto a
kitchen chair which they used to carry the victim down the last flight
of stairs and out the front door to safety; and

WHEREAS, The victim was turned over to EMS responders and she was
taken to a local medical center to be treated for her abrasions,
lacerations, and elevated carbon monoxide levels from smoke inhalation;
the individual made a recovery and was released just days later to be
reunited with her loved ones; and

WHEREAS, Fire Chief James Walsh and 3rd Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey
Rosenthal, through their spontaneous and heroic actions, demonstrated
their character and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying,
by virtue of their actions, the collective concern of ordinary citizens
across the community of the State of New York who voluntarily respond
when others need help; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Fire Chief James Walsh and 3rd Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey
Rosenthal upon the occasion of their designation for special recognition
for their prompt actions while at the scene of a fire emergency; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Fire Chief James Walsh and 3rd Assistant Fire Chief
Jeffrey Rosenthal.