LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Firefighter Jennifer Cortese posthumous-
ly upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2015 FASNY
Fire Safety Educator of the Year Award

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery
every day in the course of their duties; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of another; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jennifer
Cortese posthumously upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2015 FASNY Fire Safety Educator of the Year Award to be cele-
brated at the Oneida VFA Fire and Life Safety Expo at Mohawk Valley
Community College Information and Technology Auditorium in Utica, New
York, Friday, May 29, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Jennifer Cortese was a full-time radiologist at
St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center who spent countless hours providing
outstanding fire safety programs to students in Whitesboro, New York,
and throughout Oneida County; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed fire safety educator developed instructional
lessons which included a puppet show for students in school districts,
and at such places as day care facilities and the New York State School
for the Deaf; she also held a successful raffle in an effort to raise
funds for fire prevention education; and
WHEREAS, Jennifer Cortese was known for both her initiative and posi-
tive attitude, as well as her vast knowledge of the fire prevention and
life safety curriculum; and
WHEREAS, During her illustrious tenure, she worked tirelessly to
provide energetic, life-saving messages to her community; she also
helped the Whitesboro Fire Department Education Team grow from 5 to 20
members, and was consistently involved in her community and local
schools, participating in annual parades and special events; and
WHEREAS, Though she passed away unexpectedly on January 3, 2015,
Jennifer Cortese's efforts and commitment to learning continue to bene-
fit the students and staff of the Whitesboro Central School District and
community; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Firefighter Jennifer Cortese
displayed throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Firefighter Jennifer Cortese's
distinguished record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of
this Legislative Body; 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; Jenni-
fer Cortese was such one firefighter; throughout her 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 in the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Firefighter Jennifer Cortese posthumously upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2015 FASNY Fire Safety Educator of the
Year Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Firefighter Jennifer Cortese.