Senate Resolution No. 2375

BY: Senator SKOUFIS

COMMENDING Chief Ryan T. Falk upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

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

WHEREAS, New York State 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
Nation; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Chief Ryan
T. Falk upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty
Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; 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, On Thursday, January 6, 2022, Highland Falls Fort
Montgomery Fire Chief Ryan T. Falk was riding in his Chief's vehicle
with his wife when he received a mutual aid call for a structure fire on
Jevens Road; and

WHEREAS, Chief Ryan T. Falk immediately responded to the call and
quickly ran to the front door of the burning building, and upon opening
it, noticed an elderly woman at the top of the stairs; he attempted to
verbally direct her to exit the home, however, instead of leaving, the
woman turned around and began to head back towards the fire; and

WHEREAS, Without regard for his own safety, Chief Ryan T. Falk
entered the building and physically guided the disoriented woman to
safety outside; after performing this heroic act, he went back to the
command post and assisted in managing and directing firefighter
operations until the emergency was mitigated; and

WHEREAS, Due to Chief Ryan T. Falk's astute actions and extensive
training, the woman did not suffer any serious injuries; and

WHEREAS, Ryan Thomas Falk was born to Martha and Carl Falk on
January 16, 1982, in the Hudson Valley, growing up in Highland Falls,
New York, where he participated in the varsity hockey program and
graduated from James I. O'Neil High School in 2000; and

WHEREAS, From an early age, Ryan T. Falk knew he wanted to be a
firefighter when he grew up; following in his mother's footsteps, he
joined the Ambulance Corp as a driver in 2002, and two years later, he

fulfilled his dream by becoming a member of the Fort Montgomery Fire
Department; at the completion of his first year of service, he was named
the Rookie of the Year; and

WHEREAS, In 2008, Ryan T. Falk took on the role of Second Lieutenant
and through the years, held each line officer's position until he was
elected Chief in January of 2021; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his 18 years of service to the community, Chief
Ryan T. Falk has been a member of countless committees, was awarded the
President's Award in 2010, and has selflessly dedicated himself to all
aspects of the fire service including the Fire Prevention Program,
Public Outreach, and the morale and wellness of his fellow members; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters unwaveringly serve our great State with pride,
valor, and integrity; these respected men and women are often the first
to respond to an emergency, whether the emergency is a fire, an
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;
Chief Ryan T. Falk heroically performs, 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
commend Chief Ryan T. Falk upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Chief T. Ryan Falk.