LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim January 30, 2014, as First Responders Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
applaud outstanding individuals within our communities whose actions and
accomplishments contribute to the health, safety and well-being of the
communities of the State of New York and to the quality of life of its
people; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 30, 2014, as First
Responders Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, First Responders are a unique part of New York State's histo-
ry; and
WHEREAS, The methods used by today's First Responders date back to the
American Civil War when Army doctors mobilized new methods of first aid,
helping shape our understanding of first aid and military medicine
today; and
WHEREAS, The first civilian ambulance service in New York was organ-
ized in 1869 by Bellevue Hospital, the oldest operating hospital in the
United States; and
WHEREAS, On September 11, 2001, First Responders were critical in the
hours following the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New
York City, where 60 police officers and 343 firefighters and paramedics
died; and
WHEREAS, On January 30, 2009, First Responder Mark David from Cape
Vincent, New York, was killed in the line of duty, becoming the inspira-
tion behind Mark's Law, elevating penalties for the murder of First
Responders in New York State; and
WHEREAS, During Hurricane Irene in 2011, and Superstorm Sandy in 2012,
First Responders were at work helping others before helping themselves,
providing care to the thousands of fellow citizens affected by the
storms, while their own homes were destroyed and their families were in
need of assistance; and
WHEREAS, A tragedy of any kind, whether a natural disaster or sense-
less catastrophe, never leaves the heart of the community; and
WHEREAS, A First Responder is a person whose job entails being the
first one on the scene of an emergency; and
WHEREAS, First Responders, in many cases, are volunteers and play an
integral role in making a difference in appalling circumstances; and
WHEREAS, First Responders are there whenever people are at risk,
spending countless hours, and sacrificing personal and professional time
to promote the safety of their neighbors; and
WHEREAS, When others are running away from danger, First Responders
are there to make certain lives are saved, doing whatever it takes with
an amazing capacity for courage and compassion; and
WHEREAS, Our unending gratitude and respect are owed to these devoted
individuals whose responsibility is the preservation of life and who
make that responsibility their own by serving as First Responders; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 30, 2014, as
First Responders Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.