LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely and tragic death of Fire-
fighter Justin E. Speights of the Silver Lake Fire Department

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Firefighter Justin E. Speights, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, The son of Lisa and Calvin Speights, Justin E. Speights was
born on December 19, 1995, in Middletown, New York; at the young age of
20, Firefighter Justin E. Speights tragically died on January 1, 2016;
and
WHEREAS, A lifetime resident of Scotchtown, New York, Firefighter
Justin E. Speights was always athletic; as a child he was a member of
the Town of Wallkill Little League Baseball Team and was a Star of the
Pine Bush High School Football Team; and
WHEREAS, At the age of 16, Justin E. Speights joined the Silver Lake
Fire Department; throughout his four years of service, he lent his
assistance anywhere he was needed including providing mutual aid to
other fire districts; and
WHEREAS, Known as one of the most trusted firefighters in the Silver
Lake Fire District, Firefighter Justin E. Speights was the recipient of
its 2013 Member of the Year Award; in addition, this remarkable young
man was posthumously promoted to the esteemed position of First Lieuten-
ant; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, Justin E. Speights proudly graduated from Pine Bush
High School; after graduation, he pursued his dream of becoming a New
York City Fireman, studying Fire Science at Orange County Community
College; and
WHEREAS, Known as the ultimate peacemaker, Firefighter Justin E.
Speights enjoyed spending time with his friends, fellow firefighters,
and family; he looked forward to meeting his first niece who was born
after his death; and
WHEREAS, A devout New York Giants and Mets fan, Firefighter Justin E.
Speights was thrilled to watch the Mets win the Pennant in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Justin E. Speights distinguished himself in the
Silver Lake Fire Department and by his sincere dedication and substan-
tial contribution to the welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, A great asset to society, Firefighter Justin E. Speights is
going to be truly missed and will be a great loss to the Silver Lake
Fire Department; 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; Justin
E. Speights was such a firefighter; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his years of devoted service, Firefighter Justin
E. Speights heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty,
those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Justin E. Speights is survived by his Mother,
Lisa (Angel) Speights; his father, Calvin Eric (Maria) Speights and his
wife; his sister, Nicole (Brentley); one brother, Aaron; two stepsis-
ters, Aryel and Nina; and one stepbrother, Giovanni; his aunt, Marlene
Faulkner; his uncle, Michael Homes; a niece, and many cousins; as well
as a legion of fellow firefighters and friends who will long cherish his
memory; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Firefighter Justin E. Speights leaves behind a legacy which
will long endure the passage of time and will remain a comforting memory
to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely and tragic death of Firefighter Justin E. Speights of
the Silver Lake Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Firefighter Justin E. Speights and to the
Silver Lake Fire Department.