LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Anthony Chiaramonte upon
the occasion of being named the 2015 Firefighter of the Year by the
Riverhead Fire Department on May 13, 2016

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 Firefighter Anthony
Chiaramonte upon the occasion of being named the 2015 Firefighter of the
Year by the Riverhead Fire Department, to be celebrated at its Annual
Dinner on May 13, 2016, at East Wind Caterers, Wading River, New York;
and
WHEREAS, This valiant firefighter is being recognized for his heroic
efforts on January 29, 2015, saving the life of an unconscious occupant
within the residence of a Middle Road structure fire; and
WHEREAS, Without hesitation or concern for his own safety, Anthony
Chiaramonte instinctually entered the building and began searching for
the victim; after a fellow firefighter found the man, Anthony rushed
over to help drag the man through two narrow doorways and out of the
burning house, saving his life; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Chiaramonte should be meritoriously commended for
remaining calm under pressure and for showing valor and true courage
while performing a lifesaving deed; and
WHEREAS, Through his spontaneous and heroic actions, Anthony Chiara-
monte demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare of
others, personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern
of ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who volun-
tarily respond without the thought of danger or reward when others are
in need of 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; Anthony
Chiaramonte is such a firefighter; throughout his devoted service, this
volunteer heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those
responsibilities which define the task of fire protection; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Firefighter Anthony Chiaramonte upon the occasion of being named
the 2015 Firefighter of the Year by the Riverhead Fire Department on May
13, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Anthony Chiaramonte.