LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Joseph Graffagnino posthumously
upon the occasion of his induction into the 2016 Fort Hamilton High
School Alumni Association Hall of Fame on February 13, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Joseph
Graffagnino posthumously upon the occasion of his induction into the
2016 Fort Hamilton High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame, to be
celebrated at its Dinner Dance on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at Rex
Manor, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Fondly remembered as Mr. Fort Hamilton, Joseph Graffagnino
graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn, New York, in 1991;
and
WHEREAS, After his graduation, Joseph "Joey" Graffagnino earned his
bachelor's degree from Hunter College; in 2002, he married the former
Linda Tronolone, and together, they raised their daughter Mia Rose, and
son, Joseph; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Graffagnino's home away from home was the fire depart-
ment; he enjoyed the friendships, the outdoors type of work, the camar-
aderie of his fellow firefighters and the food; and
WHEREAS, On May 9, 1999, Joseph Graffagnino joined the New York City
Fire Department; he was assigned to Ladder 5, Engine 24 in Greenwich
Village, Manhattan; and
WHEREAS, Assigned to Ladder 149, Engine 284 in Brooklyn on September
11, 2001, Joseph Graffagnino and his fellow firefighters arrived at the
World Trade Center shortly after the collapse of the second tower;
sadly, he lost 11 brothers from his original firehouse; and
WHEREAS, During the aftermath of this unspeakable tragedy, Joseph
Graffagnino spent most of his off time searching for survivors, and
later remains at Ground Zero; for his steadfast efforts, he was the
recipient of the 9/11 Survivors Medal; and
WHEREAS, Tragically, Joseph Graffagnino died in the line of duty on
August 18, 2007, while battling a 7 alarm fire at the Deutsche Bank
building in lower Manhattan; after his death, he was promoted to the
esteemed rank of Lieutenant; and
WHEREAS, Sincerely loved and respected, Joseph Graffagnino was
selected as the 2007 Fireman of the Year by the local Community Board
10; in October of that same year, he was the recipient of a proclamation
celebrating Italian American Heritage and Culture from the New York City
Council; and
WHEREAS, An inspiration and a role model for the youth of Fort Hamil-
ton High School, as well as to the community-at-large, Joseph Graffagni-
no truly merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedication
to others; 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
congratulate Joseph Graffagnino posthumously upon the occasion of his
induction into the 2016 Fort Hamilton High School Alumni Association
Hall of Fame on February 13, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Joseph Graffagnino.