LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the volunteers of the Merrick Fire
Department upon the occasion of being recognized as Merrick Herald's
People of the Year 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the volunteers of the Merrick Fire Department upon the occasion of being
recognized as Merrick Herald's People of the Year 2012; and
WHEREAS, On October 28, 2012, one day before Hurricane Sandy whipped
across the Tristate area, first assistant chief Michael Gargan of the
Merrick Fire Department ordered his volunteers to their respective fire-
houses; they slept at their stations, ready to respond to a call at a
moment's notice; and
WHEREAS, The following morning, the Merrick Fire Department was inun-
dated with phone calls from homeowners reporting downed power lines and
flooded homes while Hurricane Sandy spent the rest of that Monday churn-
ing up the East Coast, gaining power as it went; and
WHEREAS, The valiant members of the Merrick Fire Department went out
into the tempest, risking their lives to extinguish the numerous fires
that broke out as electrical systems and home generators shorted out;
and
WHEREAS, At the same time, department volunteers helped to evacuate
the neediest residents who had remained in the flood zone -- the elderly
and small children; and
WHEREAS, The acts of heroism performed by the 60 firefighters on duty
during Hurricane Sandy were too numerous to count; and
WHEREAS, In the weeks following the storm, the Merrick Fire Department
responded to more than 300 additional calls; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude to
those devoted individuals who recognize that the preservation of life
and property is a sacred responsibility and who make that responsibility
their own by serving as firefighters; 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, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the volunteers of the Merrick Fire Department upon the occasion
of being recognized as Merrick Herald's People of the Year 2012; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Chief Michael Gargan, Merrick Fire Department.