Honor Fallen Firefighter Phillips

Senate Resolution No. 3733 BY: Senator LARKIN MOURNING the death of Raymond R. Phillips, former firefighter, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community 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 Raymond R. Phillips heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection for many years; and WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Raymond R. Phillips of Washingtonville, New York, who died on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at the age of 64; and WHEREAS, Raymond R. Phillips, affectionately known to his friends and family as Gonzo, was born to the late Raymond R. Phillips and Florence H. McKeon Phillips in the Bronx, New York; and WHEREAS, For many years, Raymond R. Phillips was a firefighter for FDNY Rescue 3 in the Bronx, a position he held until his retirement; he was one of the brave first responders who spent days trying to help those people affected by the horrific World Trade Center 9/11 attack; and WHEREAS, Raymond R. Phillips was also a member of the South Blooming Grove Fire Department where he served as Chief, and held the title of Treasurer of Battalion No. 5 in Orange County; and WHEREAS, Raymond R. Phillips genuinely loved being a firefighter; he held various leadership positions within FDNY organizations including the Holy Name Society and Emerald Society; each year, he enjoyed dressing up as Santa Claus during the Christmas season to bring some joy and laughter to the department's widows and children; and WHEREAS, In addition, Raymond R. Phillips served as a delegate for Uniformed Firefighters Association, and was a vital member of OCVFA, The Bravest football team, and the Orange County Retired Firefighters Association, as well as St. Mary's Church in Washingtonville; and WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting dedication to his profession and community, Raymond R. Phillips was named the 2001 Man of the Year by the Holy Name Society and the 2017 UFA Man of the Year; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his sister, Florence Coogan, Raymond R. Phillips is survived by his wife, Maureen P. Riordan Phillips; two sons, Raymond D. Phillips and Brian Phillips; one daughter, Courtney Phillips; one brother, Walter Phillips; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as a legion of fellow firefighters and friends who will long cherish his memory; and WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, Raymond R. Phillips 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 pay tribute to the life and valiant service of Firefighter Raymond R. Phillips; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Firefighter Raymond R. Phillips.