Senate Resolution No. 3031

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMENDING 12 Lackawanna Firefighters upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor 12
Lackawanna Firefighters upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; 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, On Saturday, April 22, 2017, fire engulfed a four-unit
apartment building on Ingham Avenue in Lackawanna; and

WHEREAS, Thanks to the quick response of the brave men of the
Lackawanna Fire Department, although approximately 20 people were
displaced by the fire and seven were injured, there were no fatalities;
and

WHEREAS, The 12 brave Lackawanna Firefighters include: Captain James
Fino, Lieutenant Mark Wodzinski, Firefighter Raymond Janczyk,
Firefighter Ronald Shul, Firefighter John Koch, Firefighter Gene
Olivieri, Firefighter Nicholas Kasprzak, Firefighter Jason Surdyke,
Firefighter Theodore Katra, Jr., Firefighter Brian Murphy, Firefighter
Nicolai Roussev and Firefighter Gabriel Tanyi; and

WHEREAS, These 12 Firefighters should be regarded as true heroes;
they have continually devoted themselves to public service,
demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the care and
welfare of the citizens of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining their composure and their
professional conduct, the 12 Firefighters each demonstrated their true
character and genuine compassion for the welfare of others; and


WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; these
firefighters are such individuals; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the
preservation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due
full praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor 12 Lackawanna Firefighters upon the occasion of their designation
as recipients of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the 12 aforementioned Lackawanna Firefighters.