Honor Firefighter Robert O'Connell

Senate Resolution No. 5144 BY: Senator LAVALLE HONORING Robert O'Connell upon the occasion of his designation as Firefighter of the Year by the Riverhead Fire Department WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and indebted to our noble volunteer firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery every day in the course of their duties; and WHEREAS, Volunteer 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 Robert O'Connell upon the occasion of his designation as Firefighter of the Year by the Riverhead Fire Department, to be celebrated at its Annual Banquet on Friday, May 18, 2018, at East Wind Caterers, Wading River, New York; and WHEREAS, On January 6, 2017, Firefighter Robert O'Connell witnessed fellow firefighter, Ex-Chief/Ex-Commissioner Vincent Golembeski choking during a dinner meeting of his company; and WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Firefighter Robert O'Connell performed the Heimlich maneuver several times, dislodging the blockage and ultimately saving his colleague's 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; Robert O'Connell is such a firefighter; throughout his years of devoted service, this volunteer 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 Robert O'Connell upon the occasion of his designation as Firefighter of the Year by the Riverhead Fire Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Firefighter Robert O'Connell.