LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Technical Sergeant
Joseph Lemm of West Harrison, New York, and paying tribute to his coura-
geous actions as a member of the New York Air National Guard

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced action in the Middle East will
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and as a defender of liberty for people throughout the world;
and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm of West
Harrison, New York, and pay tribute to his courageous actions as a
member of the New York Air National Guard; and
WHEREAS, A native of Nebraska and a 15-year Veteran of the New York
Police Department (NYPD), Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm died on Monday,
December 21, 2015, at the age of 45, while honorably serving his country
in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, In 2000, Joseph Lemm began his career with the NYPD at the
48th Precinct; in January of 2014, he was promoted to the esteemed rank
of Detective and began serving in the Bronx Warrant Squad; and
WHEREAS, Fondly known as Superman, Detective Joseph Lemm will be
remembered as an enthusiastic member of the NYPD; while off duty in
December of 2005, he helped apprehend two of three teens he saw running
from the scene of a stabbing, and was consequently nominated for a Post
Liberty Medal; and
WHEREAS, Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm was also a dedicated member of
the 105th Security Forces Squadron, which is an element of the 105th
Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base at Newburgh, New York;
this remarkable soldier was on his second deployment in Afghanistan when
he was killed in a tragic incident outside Bagram Air Base; and
WHEREAS, In honor of Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm's valiant service
and ultimate sacrifice he made defending our great Nation, Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo has directed that flags on New York State government
buildings be flown at half-staff on December 23, 2015; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm is
survived by his loving wife, Christine, and two treasured children,
Brooke and Ryan; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which our men and women served this country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who give of their
lives for their beloved Nation; and
WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who
risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-
ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm of West
Harrison, New York, paying tribute to his courageous actions as a member
of the New York Air National Guard; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm.