Establishes the disaster preparedness first responder recognition program

The program would be managed and maintained jointly by the Office of Homeland Security and the State Emergency Management Office. Each year, in coordination with the staff at the Office of Homeland Security and the State Emergency Management Office, the program would honor three individuals from New York State who deserve recognition and honor for their efforts.

This bill would further specifically provide for three initial honorees of the program, James J. Corrigan, William Wren, and Phillip T. Hayes. These three men were retired firefighters, who volunteered and assisted the New York City Fire Department in the rescue and recovery efforts of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Justification

The establishment of a disaster preparedness first responder recognition program to honor those brave men and women who have given their lives as part of a disaster preparedness or first response situation, in an effort to help, save and care for their fellow man is an important act to recognize the sacrifice that these dedicated people make every day.

James J. Corrigan, William Wren, and Phillip T Hayes, the initial honorees under this program, exemplify its purpose and meaning. These three men were retired New York City firefighters at the time of the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center Complex. They were at the scene of such September 11, 2001 attack, and with great heroism, courage and dedication to their community and fellow man, and without concern for themselves or their own personal safety or well being, bravely assisted the rescue and firefighting efforts at the World Trade Center. in so doing, they all gave their lives in the furtherance of such noble and benevolent efforts.

The courageous public service of James J. Corrigan, William Wren, and Phillip T. Hayes, evidenced by their commitment to, and concern for, their state, their city and their fellow citizens, over and above any risk or personal peril they faced, as well as making the ultimate sacrifice as a result of such service, demonstrates that these men and their surviving families are deserving of the highest recognition, appreciation, honor and gratitude that their state, their city, the fire department of the city of New York and their community can provide. This bill would provide their families with the recognition which they would have received had these men not been retired at the time of their deaths, thereby not aggravating a penalty their families have suffered for their public service.

Prior legislative history

2008 - S.5647 - Passed Senate (60-0)

Fiscal implications

None noted.

Effective date

This act will take effect immediately and shall be deemed effective as of September 11, 2001.