Honor Corinth Firefighters' Heroism

Senate Resolution No. 3453 BY: Senator TEDISCO HONORING four members of the Corinth Volunteer Fire Department in recognition of their prompt and heroic efforts in helping to save two house fire victims and their pets WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication, command the respect and admiration of their community for their exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor four members of the Corinth Volunteer Fire Department in recognition of their prompt and heroic efforts in helping to save two house fire victims and their pets to be celebrated at its Annual Banquet; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to join with the town of Corinth, in recognizing the heroic and courageous acts by members of its Fire Department in saving two victims and their pets in a house fire on Monday, November 20, 2017; and WHEREAS, The highly skilled and courageous firefighters meriting this prestigious recognition are Second Assistant Chief Steven J. Denton II, First Lieutenant Brandon W. Stautner, Captain Derrick S. Barss, and Chief Justin C. Burwell; and WHEREAS, Disregarding their own personal safety and acting in a manner which personifies the finest traditions of those who place their lives in order to serve others, these firefighters bravely and without hesitation, risked their own lives to rescue two children and their pets from a house fire on late Monday morning, November 20, 2017; and WHEREAS, At 10:46 a.m., the Corinth Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a working structure fire; once they arrived, they were informed there were people trapped inside; four firefighters quickly entered the building, and as they were ascending to the second floor, heard a baby crying on the first floor; and WHEREAS, The four men began searching the bottom floor and found a three year-old child in the living room; they immediately picked up and brought the baby to safety outside; they went back into the fiery building and found an 18-month old baby in a bedroom, and carried this child to safety as well; and WHEREAS, During the search, firefighters also discovered the family's beloved pets, and saved them from the terrible heat, smoke and flames of the fire; and WHEREAS, The young children were treated by EMS and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment; and WHEREAS, Through their unwavering commitment to serve and protect the community and citizens of Corinth, New York, and their unqualified response to carrying out their duties irrespective of the peril and the personal dangers, these firefighters have uniquely distinguished themselves and contributed significantly to that spirit of united purpose and shared concern which is the cornerstone of public service and community 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; these four brave men are such firefighters; these volunteers 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 four members of the Corinth Volunteer Fire Department in recognition of their prompt and heroic efforts in helping to save two house fire victims and their pets; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the aforementioned Firefighters and to Andy Kelley, Fire Chief, Corinth Volunteer Fire Department.