LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Joanne Barbara upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition by the Ralph J. Sansone Founda-
tion on June 9, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
just tribute to those individuals who embody the true American spirit,
demonstrating personal courage and determination, and significantly
contributing to the enhancement of the quality of life of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Joanne Barbara upon the occasion of her designation for special recogni-
tion by the Ralph J. Sansone Foundation at its 24th Annual Scholarship
Dinner to be held on Wednesday, June 9, 2010, at Sirico's, Brooklyn, New
York; and
WHEREAS, A woman of incredible fortitude and perseverance, Joanne
Barbara has continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary
intelligence and diligent leadership in her unwavering service to her
community and consequently has been selected for this most prestigious
honor; and
WHEREAS, Joanne Barbara is the spouse of FDNY Assistant Chief of
Department Gerard A. Barbara, who was lost on 9/11 as he led the rescue
effort from the lobby of the South Tower in the World Trade Center;
since that day, she has become a tireless advocate for the families of
the victims and, like her husband, has become a kind and compassionate -
yet fair - leader of the large group of family members that has emerged
in the past decade; and
WHEREAS, Through her position as a Family Representative with the
Family Assistance Unit of the FDNY, Joanne Barbara has worked with other
9/11 family members and Fire Department officials to ensure that the
memories of those lost are preserved honorably and that the families of
those still on the job are protected from similar suffering in the
future; and
WHEREAS, One cause that Joanne Barbara has gotten particularly
involved with has been the establishment of proper memorials, not only
at Ground Zero, but around the city and metropolitan area; she has also
been an advocate for the provision of proper radio equipment to the FDNY
-- a cause that her husband felt strongly about and has lobbied the
United States Congress to prompt an investigation into faulty radio
transmissions that hampered the rescue effort on 9/11; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her work with the FDNY Family Assistance Unit,
Joanne Barbara has worked with other community groups and organizations
that her husband was connected to in order both to preserve his memory
and to give back to the many that supported her family and others
following 9/11; and
WHEREAS, Together with her children, Caren and Paul, Joanne Barbara
has established several scholarships in Jerry's name, including the
scholarship awarded tonight to the Ralph Sansone Foundation; the Barbara
family also awards three annual scholarships to the FDNY Columbia Asso-
ciation, an Italian-American fraternal organization, as well as annual
scholarships to college-bound students of Grady Career and Technical
High School, Jerry's alma mater; and
WHEREAS, Also, this year Joanne Barbara and her family and friends
will organize the 9th Annual Chief Jerry Barbara Nite with the S.I.
Yankees at the Richmond County Ballpark that hosts the Single A minor
league team of the New York Yankees; the event is a terrific opportunity
for family and friends to celebrate and honor Jerry's life in a fun

atmosphere and also serves as a fundraiser to provide scholarships in
Jerry's name; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Joanne
Barbara, who serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit to
triumph over personal adversity; and
WHEREAS, Joanne Barbara is a strong pioneering role model and inspira-
tion for all citizens, who exemplifies the virtues of sacrifice, excel-
lence and determination; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those individ-
uals for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Joanne Barbara upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Ralph J. Sansone Foundation on June 9, 2010; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joanne Barbara.