LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Fire Chief/Lieutenant Colonel Martin J.
Ingram upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the New York
State Medal of Valor

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 Fire
Chief/Lieutenant Colonel Martin J. Ingram upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the New York State Medal of Valor, cele-
brated at a New York Guard Leaders Meeting on Saturday, March 14, 2015,
at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt Manor, New York; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Medal of Valor is awarded to any member of
New York's organized militia, which is composed of the New York Army and
Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia, and the New York Guard;
the state's highest military medal, it is awarded for acts of valor,
heroism, courage or gallantry in either a civilian or military capacity;
and
WHEREAS, Martin J. Ingram has led a life of selfless public service in
many capacities, holding the positions of lifeguard, First Officer for
New York Airways, and Fire Chief at the Point Breeze Volunteer Fire
Department; in addition, he proudly served his country as a member of
both the United States Air Force and the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration; and
WHEREAS, Since 2004, Lieutenant Colonel Martin J. Ingram has been a
vital member of the New York Guard, a volunteer state defense force
whose members augment the actions of the New York National Guard during
state missions and state emergencies; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Lieutenant Colonel Martin J. Ingram serves as
Commander of the New York Guard's 88th Brigade, headquartered at the
69th Regiment Armory; and
WHEREAS, A Queens resident, Martin J. Ingram is being recognized for
his heroism while serving as Fire Chief of the Breezy Point Volunteer
Fire Department on October 29, 2012, when Superstorm Sandy flooded the
ocean front community, and the largest residential structural fire since
1865, destroyed many of the neighborhood's buildings; and
WHEREAS, This valiant firefighter led the efforts to evacuate citizens
from rising flood waters, and entered a burning building to save a
stranded resident, as well as extinguished the fire, saving other build-
ings from being destroyed; in addition, his positive attitude and tire-
less efforts to save his community inspired other members of his fire
department to rally to the cause; and
WHEREAS, Subsequently, in 2013, Fire Chief Martin J. Ingram was the
recipient of the New York State Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award
for his courageous work during Superstorm Sandy; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Fire Chief/Lieutenant Colonel Martin
J. Ingram has displayed throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Fire Chief/Lieutenant Colonel Martin
J. Ingram's distinguished record merits the recognition and respectful
tribute of this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, Fire Chief/Lieutenant Colonel Martin J. Ingram, throughout
his spontaneous and heroic acts, 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 Fire Chief/Lieutenant Colonel Martin J. Ingram upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the New York State Medal of Valor;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Fire Chief/Lieutenant Colonel Martin J. Ingram.