LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending 2nd Assistant Chief Todd Gray upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of the Firematic Life Saver
Award by the Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Department on May 2, 2015

WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State are renowned throughout the
Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the arduous
field of fire protection and prevention; and
WHEREAS, Since the early days of "teapot steamers," the volunteer
firefighter has been the cornerstone of our great Nation's efforts to
spare us from the ravages of fire; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend 2nd Assistant Chief
Todd Gray upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Fire-
matic Life Saver Award by the Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company
to be celebrated at its 53rd Annual Installation Dinner Dance on Satur-
day, May 2, 2015, in Middletown, New York; and
WHEREAS, On January 31, 2015, the Washington Heights Volunteer Fire
Department received a call for a mobile home on fire with entrapment;
2nd Assistant Chief Todd Gray was first on the scene and was alerted by
neighbors the homeowner was still inside the residence; taking immediate
action, he proceeded to enter the smoke and fire filled structure to the
rear bedroom where the homeowner was found in his bed; and
WHEREAS, 2nd Assistant Chief Todd Gray advised the homeowner his home
was on fire and escorted him through smoke and flames to a rear window;
immediately after, two Town Police Officers escorted the man through the
snow to safety; and
WHEREAS, Although the situation could have been a dire one, today, the
man is alive and well; due to the quick and astute actions of 2nd
Assistant Chief Todd Gray, a life was saved; and
WHEREAS, 2nd Assistant Chief Todd Gray through his courageous actions,
demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare of others;
as a dedicated firefighter, this brave hero voluntarily responded when
he knew one of his community members needed help; 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 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; 2nd
Assistant Chief Todd Gray is such a firefighter; throughout many years
of devoted service, this volunteer heroically performed, above and
beyond the call of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of
fire protection; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Firefighter 2nd Assistant Chief Todd Gray upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Firematic Life Saver Award by the
Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Department on May 2, 2015; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to 2nd Assistant Chief Todd Gray.