Senate Resolution No. 1815

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMENDING Firefighter Steven Lee DeStafeno
posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by the Orange County
Volunteer Fire Police Association on May 11, 2017

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, Firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and
the strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic
magnitude; their sacrifices and their selfless dedication merit tribute
and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter Steven Lee DeStafeno heroically performed,
above and beyond the call of duty, those responsibilities which define
the task of fire protection for more than six decades; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Firefighter Steven Lee DeStafeno posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Orange County Volunteer Fire
Police Association to be celebrated at its Candlelight Memorial Service
on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at the Coldenham Fire Department in Walden,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Steven Lee DeStafeno of Middletown, New York, died on
August 5, 2016, at the age of 45; and

WHEREAS, Steven Lee DeStafeno was born in Middletown, on September
28, 1970, to the late Janice and Vincent DeStafeno; in 1988, he
graduated from Middletown High School; after graduation, he drove a cab
in both Middletown and Goshen, New York, with his father and brother;
and

WHEREAS, For numerous years, Steven Lee DeStafeno was a vital member
of the Mechanicstown Fire Department; throughout his tenure, he served
as President of the Department, and Captain of the Fire Police; and

WHEREAS, When he was not working or at the firehouse, Steven Lee
DeStafeno enjoyed watching football and loved to drive his car in
demolition derbies; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, and his uncle, William "Bill"
Royce Monell, Steven Lee DeStafeno is survived by his wife, Darlene
DeStafeno; one brother, Vincent DeStafeno; and one sister, Sheryl
DeStafeno-Bowe, as well as a legion of fellow firefighters and friends
who will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, Steven Lee DeStafeno
touched many through his kindness and commitment to service, and, as we
recall the loss of this great man, we memorialize his remarkable life
and the enormous impact he had on everyone with whom he came in contact;
and


WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of a
courageous firefighter who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family and community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Firefighter Steven Lee DeStafeno posthumously upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition by the Orange County
Volunteer Fire Police Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Firefighter Steven Lee DeStafeno.