LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael Della Rocco upon the occasion of
his retirement as Chief of the Schenectady Fire Department

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in acknowledging
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of its esteemed
public servants; and
WHEREAS, Michael Della Rocco will be honored during a Walking Out
Ceremony on January 30, 2014, upon his well-deserved retirement as Chief
of the Schenectady Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Michael is a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School; he earned
a Bachelors degree, Magna Cum Laude, and a Masters degree from the State
University of New York at Albany, and studied Fire Science at Schenecta-
dy County Community College; and
WHEREAS, He has earned numerous certifications, including Outdoor
Emergency Care Technician, New York State Certified Hazardous Materials
Technician, New York State Fire Investigator Level I and II, New York
State Fire Instructor, New York State Fire Instructor Level I, New York
State Fire Instructor Level II, and New York State Permanent Teacher
Certification; and
WHEREAS, Michael began his distinguished career with the Schenectady
Fire Department as a firefighter in 1975; and
WHEREAS, He served in several important leadership positions, includ-
ing Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Deputy Fire Chief, and Assistant Fire
Chief; and
WHEREAS, Michael has served as Chief since 2011, and has announced his
retirement from this position effective January 31, 2014; and
WHEREAS, He led the first Urban Search and Rescue team on the scene of
the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and was
responsible for the deployment, activity, and safety of all team members
who were on the scene the longest, during the largest such search and
rescue effort in United States history; and
WHEREAS, Michael has contributed his time and expertise to the Sche-
nectady Permanent Firemen's Association, Schenectady City Firefighter's
Union, Local 28, the Schenectady Arson/Fire Investigation Task Force,
and New York State Urban/Technical Search and Rescue; and
WHEREAS, He also served Schenectady County Community College as an
Adjunct Professor of English Composition and Literature from 1977 until
1995, and of Fire Science from 2005 until 2011; and
WHEREAS, Michael has been honored with the Schenectady Fire Depart-
ment's Chief's Medal and Medal of Merit, New York State Fire Administra-
tor's Award for Excellence in Arson Programs, a New York State DHSES
OFPC Commendation, numerous REMO certificates, and several Citations and
Proclamations from State and local officials; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he has been published in numerous professional
publication; and
WHEREAS, Michael has exhibited his athletic ability as a Marine Corps
Marathon Finisher, State Champion in the Chiefs Division of the Fire-
fighter Combat Challenge, multi-medal winner in snowshoeing in the
Empire State Games, and a Firefighter's Team Gold Medal winner in the
Pine Bush Triathalon; and
WHEREAS, His dedication, expertise, and longevity of service have been
tremendous assets to the Schenectady Fire Department and an inspiration
to his fellow firefighters; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael Della Rocco upon the occasion of his retirement from the
Schenectady Fire Department, and to thank him for his dedicated service
to the community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael Della Rocco.