LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring and recognizing the heroism and commit-
ment of local volunteer firefighters in fighting the wildfires in the
Towns of Ridge and Manorville, New York, in April 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those distinguished citizens who would volunteer to 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, 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 exem-
plary contributions and service on behalf of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor and recognize
the heroism and commitment of local volunteer firefighters in fighting
the wildfires in the Towns of Ridge and Manorville, New York, in April
2012; and
WHEREAS, Our unsung heroes, the volunteer firefighters of New York
State are everyday committed men and women who leave their families and
jobs at a moment's notice and run fearlessly into the face of fire to
keep our communities safe and protect their neighbors; they are renowned
throughout the Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in
the arduous field of fire protection and prevention; and
WHEREAS, In April 2012, raging wildfires in the area encompassing the
towns of Ridge and Manorville, New York, affected over 1,124 acres,
making the fire among the 10 largest fires in New York State since 1975;
and
WHEREAS, Working under very difficult and dangerous conditions,
approximately 200 firefighters from about 35 local area fire departments
battled the April 2012 wildfires in Ridge and Manorville, New York, with
20 brush trucks, 10 tankers and 10 engines; and
WHEREAS, Volunteer firefighters and fire departments not only provide
the critical service of fire protection but also engage in other activ-
ities of great benefit and importance to the communities they serve; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those dedicated
public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the preservation
of order and the protection of others are worthy and due full praise for
their commitment and noble endeavors; 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; those
volunteers who heroically responded to the wildfires in the Towns of
Ridge and Manorville, New York, in April 2012, are such firefighters;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and recognize the heroism and commitment of local volunteer fire-
fighters in fighting the wildfires in the Towns of Ridge and Manorville,
New York, in April 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned volunteer firefighters.