LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Former Bellmore Fire Chief John Curley
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Public Safety
Officer Medal of Valor on February 11, 2015

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Former Bellmore Fire Chief John Curley upon the occasion of his desig-
nation as recipient of the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor on
Wednesday, February 11, 2015, in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, The Medal of Valor, the nation's highest honor for public
safety officers, is awarded annually by the President of the United
States to law enforcement officers and firefighters who have exhibited
exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to
save or protect human life; and
WHEREAS, A member of the New York Fire Department (FDNY), John Curley
is also a longtime volunteer of the Bellmore Fire Department where he
formerly served as Chief; and
WHEREAS, Former Bellmore Fire Chief John Curley was honored with this
prestigious award for his off-duty rescue of a 92 year-old woman from a
second floor bedroom of her burning home on November 12, 2012; and
WHEREAS, The first on the scene, this selfless man, along with his
son, propped a ladder on top of a file cabinet and without hesitation,
Former Bellmore Fire Chief John Curley climbed to the bedroom window;
after breaking the glass with his hand, he entered the room though
billowing smoke, found the woman on the floor and carried her to the
window, passing her to his son; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Former Bellmore Fire Chief John
Curley has displayed throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Former Bellmore Fire Chief John
Curley's distinguished record merits the recognition and respectful
tribute of this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, Former Bellmore Fire Chief John Curley, in his spontaneous
and heroic act, has so aptly demonstrated his character and compassion
for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of his action, the
collective concern of citizens across the community of the State of New
York who voluntarily respond when others are in need of help; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Former Bellmore Fire Chief John Curley upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor on
February 11, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Former Bellmore Fire Chief John Curley.