Honor FDNY Chief Lemonda

Senate Resolution No. 2781 BY: Senator GOLDEN HONORING James A. Lemonda upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2017 Presidents Award by the Columbia Association of the New York City Fire Department on June 15, 2017 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, 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 James A. Lemonda upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2017 Presidents Award by the Columbia Association of the New York City Fire Department, to be celebrated at its 83rd Annual Scholarship Dinner Dance on Thursday, June 15, 2017, at Russo's on the Bay, Howard Beach, New York; and WHEREAS, James A. Lemonda was born on July 16, 1957, in the Bronx, New York; he was raised in both Brooklyn and Queens, New York, where he attended St. Francis Preparatory High School; after graduation, he earned his degree from Queens College in 1980; and WHEREAS, One year later, James A. Lemonda was hired as a New York City Police Officer; from 1982-1986, he served as a Suffolk County Police Officer before being appointed to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) in March of 1986; and WHEREAS, After the successful completion of probation school, James A. Lemonda was assigned to Engine 92 in the Morisiana section of the Bronx; on his very first tour, a senior firefighter nicknamed him "Jake"; and WHEREAS, In 1994, Jake A. Lemonda was promoted to the title of Lieutenant, and subsequently, was assigned to Division 11; he was later transferred to Engine 234 in Brooklyn; and WHEREAS, For his steadfast efforts during the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Lieutenant Jake A. Lemonda was promoted to the position of Captain; initially he was assigned to the World Trade Center site, and then onto the 14th Division in Queens; at the end of 2001, he was given his permanent assignment as Captain of Engine Company 234; and WHEREAS, In May of 2005, Captain Jake A. Lemonda advanced to the rank of Battalion Chief and was assigned to the 11th Battalion until his election to the Uniformed Fire Officer's Association (UFOA) Executive Board of Directors in September of 2009; in this capacity, he served in the positions of both Financial Secretary and Chief's Pension Representative prior to being elected to the title of President in 2014; and WHEREAS, In addition, President Jake A. Lemonda served as Chair of the Special Events and Scholarships Committee; in this capacity, he was instrumental in the inception of the Bravest Scholarship Raffle Fundraiser; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 31 years, Ann, and their two daughters, Kathryn and Elizabeth, all of whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, Firefighters unwaveringly serve our great State with pride, valor, and integrity; these respected public servants 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; Jake A. Lemonda is such a firefighter; throughout 31 years of devoted service, he has 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 James A. Lemonda upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2017 Presidents Award by the Columbia Association of the New York City Fire Department on June 15, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to James A. Lemonda.