Senate Resolution No. 435

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. upon the
occasion of his retirement after 21 years of
distinguished service to the Utica Fire Department

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement after 21
years of distinguished service to the Utica Fire Department; 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, For the past 21 years, Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. rendered
faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the Utica Fire
Department; and

WHEREAS, Mello Testa Jr. joined the Utica Fire Department on March
27, 2004, and rose through the ranks to the position of Lieutenant in
2015; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as a Lieutenant in the department,
Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. served with loyalty, honor and distinction;
and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure of admirable service, Firefighter
Mello Testa Jr. continually demonstrated a high knowledge and
understanding of leadership, training, and educational roles with the
department and his crews; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous and lifesaving efforts at a housefire in
2007, coupled with his dedication to volunteerism and community service,
Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. was recognized as Firefighter of the Year by
the American Legion Post 229 on November 6, 2008; he is also the
two-time recipient of the William Acquaviva Memorial Award; and

WHEREAS, In his official acts, Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. was
governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of
human problems; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Utica Fire Department,
Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. earned the admiration, esteem and affection
of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his cherished wife, Samantha,
and beloved children, Mello and Antonella, all of whom feel privileged
to be a part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; 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;
Mello Testa Jr. is one such firefighter; throughout 21 years of devoted
service, he heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty,
those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection, and is
justly worthy of this recognition and the many joyful years of
retirement in his future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement
after 21 years of distinguished service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Firefighter Mello Testa Jr.