Senate Resolution No. 5144

BY: Senator LAVALLE

HONORING Robert O'Connell upon the occasion of his
designation as Firefighter of the Year by the
Riverhead Fire Department

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble volunteer firefighters who exhibit courage and
bravery every day in the course of their duties; and

WHEREAS, Volunteer 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 Robert
O'Connell upon the occasion of his designation as Firefighter of the
Year by the Riverhead Fire Department, to be celebrated at its Annual
Banquet on Friday, May 18, 2018, at East Wind Caterers, Wading River,
New York; and

WHEREAS, On January 6, 2017, Firefighter Robert O'Connell witnessed
fellow firefighter, Ex-Chief/Ex-Commissioner Vincent Golembeski choking
during a dinner meeting of his company; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Firefighter Robert O'Connell performed
the Heimlich maneuver several times, dislodging the blockage and
ultimately saving his colleague's life; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters unwaveringly serve our great State with pride,
valor, and integrity; these respected volunteers 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;
Robert O'Connell is such a firefighter; throughout his years of devoted
service, this volunteer 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 Robert O'Connell upon the occasion of his designation as
Firefighter of the Year by the Riverhead Fire Department; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Firefighter Robert O'Connell.