Honor Fallen Firefighter

Senate Resolution No. 1815 BY: Senator BONACIC COMMENDING Firefighter Steven Lee DeStafeno posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Orange County Volunteer Fire Police Association on May 11, 2017 WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery every day in the course of their duties; 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, Firefighter Steven Lee DeStafeno heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection for more than six decades; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Firefighter Steven Lee DeStafeno posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Orange County Volunteer Fire Police Association to be celebrated at its Candlelight Memorial Service on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at the Coldenham Fire Department in Walden, New York; and WHEREAS, Steven Lee DeStafeno of Middletown, New York, died on

28, 1970, to the late Janice and Vincent DeStafeno; in 1988, he graduated from Middletown High School; after graduation, he drove a cab in both Middletown and Goshen, New York, with his father and brother; and WHEREAS, For numerous years, Steven Lee DeStafeno was a vital member of the Mechanicstown Fire Department; throughout his tenure, he served as President of the Department, and Captain of the Fire Police; and WHEREAS, When he was not working or at the firehouse, Steven Lee DeStafeno enjoyed watching football and loved to drive his car in demolition derbies; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, and his uncle, William "Bill" Royce Monell, Steven Lee DeStafeno is survived by his wife, Darlene DeStafeno; one brother, Vincent DeStafeno; and one sister, Sheryl DeStafeno-Bowe, as well as a legion of fellow firefighters and friends who will long cherish his memory; and WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, Steven Lee DeStafeno touched many through his kindness and commitment to service, and, as we recall the loss of this great man, we memorialize his remarkable life and the enormous impact he had on everyone with whom he came in contact; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of a courageous firefighter who dedicated his purposeful life and career in faithful service to his family and community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Firefighter Steven Lee DeStafeno posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Orange County Volunteer Fire Police Association; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Firefighter Steven Lee DeStafeno.