Senate Resolution No. 4137

BY: Senator LITTLE

HONORING Town of Hampton Fire Chief Matthew Sears
in recognition of his prompt and heroic actions
while at the scene of a house fire on February 14,
2018

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, 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 and property 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
Town of Hampton Fire Chief Matthew Sears in recognition of his prompt
and heroic actions while at the scene of a house fire; and

WHEREAS, On Wednesday, February 14, 2018, a fire broke out at a
house in the Town of Hampton fueled by oxygen tanks that were inside;
Fire Chief Matthew Sears was the first to arrive on the scene and found
the home ablaze; and

WHEREAS, Immediately accessing the situation, Fire Chief Matthew
Sears quickly learned there were two people inside; and

WHEREAS, Disregarding his own personal safety and acting in a manner
which personifies the finest traditions of those who place their own
life in peril to save others, bravely and without hesitation went around
back and found one victim half out of the home through a door on a
porch, conscious but unable to move; and

WHEREAS, Fire Chief Aaron Kerber of the Poultney Volunteer Fire
Department was next to arrive on the scene and quickly began helping
Chief Sears; just as they got the victim off the porch, the other oxygen
bottles in the house exploded, with a total of five explosions; and

WHEREAS, So aptly demonstrating their character and compassion for
the welfare of their neighbors, both Fire Chief Matthew Sears and Fire
Chief Aaron Kerber truly merit the grateful tribute of this Legislative
Body; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters were able to get the fire under control within
90 minutes; unfortunately, the second victim succumbed to the fire; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that we should
give special recognition to those who work so assiduously for the
betterment of their communities, and acknowledge publicly the heroic
actions performed by the volunteer firefighters of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Town of Hampton Fire Chief Matthew Sears in recognition of his
prompt and heroic actions while at the scene of a house fire, applauding
his courageous heroism in the face of alarming danger; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Fire Chief Matthew Sears and Fire Chief Aaron Kerber.