Senate Resolution No. 2781

BY: Senator GOLDEN

HONORING James A. Lemonda upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2017 Presidents
Award by the Columbia Association of the New York
City Fire Department on June 15, 2017

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor James A.
Lemonda upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2017
Presidents Award by the Columbia Association of the New York City Fire
Department, to be celebrated at its 83rd Annual Scholarship Dinner Dance
on Thursday, June 15, 2017, at Russo's on the Bay, Howard Beach, New
York; and

WHEREAS, James A. Lemonda was born on July 16, 1957, in the Bronx,
New York; he was raised in both Brooklyn and Queens, New York, where he
attended St. Francis Preparatory High School; after graduation, he
earned his degree from Queens College in 1980; and

WHEREAS, One year later, James A. Lemonda was hired as a New York
City Police Officer; from 1982-1986, he served as a Suffolk County
Police Officer before being appointed to the New York City Fire
Department (FDNY) in March of 1986; and

WHEREAS, After the successful completion of probation school, James
A. Lemonda was assigned to Engine 92 in the Morisiana section of the
Bronx; on his very first tour, a senior firefighter nicknamed him
"Jake"; and

WHEREAS, In 1994, Jake A. Lemonda was promoted to the title of
Lieutenant, and subsequently, was assigned to Division 11; he was later
transferred to Engine 234 in Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast efforts during the aftermath of the
terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Lieutenant Jake A. Lemonda was
promoted to the position of Captain; initially he was assigned to the
World Trade Center site, and then onto the 14th Division in Queens; at
the end of 2001, he was given his permanent assignment as Captain of
Engine Company 234; and

WHEREAS, In May of 2005, Captain Jake A. Lemonda advanced to the
rank of Battalion Chief and was assigned to the 11th Battalion until his
election to the Uniformed Fire Officer's Association (UFOA) Executive
Board of Directors in September of 2009; in this capacity, he served in
the positions of both Financial Secretary and Chief's Pension

Representative prior to being elected to the title of President in 2014;
and

WHEREAS, In addition, President Jake A. Lemonda served as Chair of
the Special Events and Scholarships Committee; in this capacity, he was
instrumental in the inception of the Bravest Scholarship Raffle
Fundraiser; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 31 years, Ann,
and their two daughters, Kathryn and Elizabeth, all of whom have shown
him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters unwaveringly serve our great State with pride,
valor, and integrity; these respected public servants are often the
first to respond to an emergency, whether the emergency is a fire,
transportation accident, natural disaster, act of terrorism, medical
crisis, or spill of hazardous materials; 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;
Jake A. Lemonda is such a firefighter; throughout 31 years of devoted
service, he has heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty,
those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor James A. Lemonda upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2017 Presidents Award by the Columbia Association of the New York
City Fire Department on June 15, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James A. Lemonda.