What's happening
This bill designates September as "firefighter, police officer and emergency medical technician appreciation month" in New York State.
Why it matters
Elevates public recognition. By officially designating a month for honoring firefighters, police officers, and EMTs, the bill encourages statewide acknowledgment of their contributions, potentially fostering greater community support and appreciation.
Sets a legislative precedent. Creating a formal month of commemoration could make it easier for other groups to be similarly recognized in the future, shaping how New York State celebrates public service and civic ideals.
Clarifies the nature of the commemoration. The bill explicitly states that the month is not a holiday or half-holiday, ensuring there is no confusion about time off or business closures, but rather focuses on public recognition and honor.
Opens doors for educational and civic activities. The designation could prompt schools, municipalities, and organizations to organize events or campaigns that highlight the work and sacrifices of emergency responders, embedding their importance further into public consciousness.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Honor First Responders in September
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to finance
- Referred to rules
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Honor First Responders Month
In Assembly Committee · Governmental Operations · Sponsor William Colton
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6871
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
November 25, 2019
Introduced by Sen. SANDERS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Rules
AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to designating the month of September as firefighter, police officer and emergency medical technician appreciation month
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The executive law is amended by adding a new section 168-b to read as follows:
§ 168-b. Designation of months of commemoration. 1. A month of commemoration is a calendar month so designated by this section or a calendar month in any one year so designated by a proclamation of the governor or resolution of the senate and assembly jointly adopted.
2. A month of commemoration shall not constitute a holiday or half-holiday but shall be a month set aside in recognition and special honor of a person, persons, group ideal or goal.
3. The following month shall be a month of commemoration in each year: September, to be known as "firefighter, police officer and emergency medical technician appreciation month".
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04115-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to designating the month of September as firefighter, police officer and emergency medical tech- nician appreciation month
Purpose or general idea of bill
Designates the month of September as Firefighter, Police Officer, and Emergency Medical Technician Appreciation Month in celebration of their efforts and sacrifices to vigilantly serve their communities.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 amends the Executive Law by adding new section 168-b. Subdi- vision 1 of this new section defines the term "month of commemoration" as a calendar month designated by this new section, a gubernatorial proclamation, or a joint house resolution.
Read the full memo (683 words)
Subdivision 2 of this new section provides that a "month of commem- oration" is a "month set aside in recognition and special honor of a person, persons, group ideal or goal" and not a holiday or half-holiday.
Subdivision 3 of this new section declares that the month September of each year shall be known as "Firefighter, Police Officer, and Emergency Medical Technician Appreciation month."
Section 2 of this bill provides that this act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall be come a law.
Existing law
Currently, there is no statutory mechanism for designating a month of commemoration and, thus, there is no month designated as "Firefighter, Police Officer, and Emergency Medical Technician Appreciation Month."
Justification
On September 11, 2001 America experienced the most devastating attack on its homeland since Japanese suicide bombers struck our naval facilities at Pearl-Harbor. This despicable attack by cowardly terrorists resulted in the death of nearly 3,000 ' innocent civilians and public servants of this State and Nation. Among those who lost their lives were 37 police officers from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, 23 police officers from the New York City Police Department, 341 firefighters and 2 paramedics from the NYC Fire Department, and 8 emergency medical technicians from private hospital units who paid the ultimate price while doing a job to which they were extraordinarily dedicated. Their heroic service and sacrifice is indelible in our histo- ry of great public service as Americans.
Since that tragic event, New Yorkers and good people from around the world have paid tribute to the heroism of these firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians and established symbols in cherished memory of their lives and sacrifices. While the acts of brav- ery and service of those who died on September 11, 2001 will never be forgotten, we all know that those who have taken their places as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians may one day be called upon to make similar sacrifices.
Our brave and devoted police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians should not receive our appreciation only as a result of tragic occurrences. Their unwavering commitment to duty, to our State and to our Nation should always be recognized and honored. It is not only appropriate, but also good public policy, to designate a reasonable period dedicated to showing our appreciation. In tribute to and in cherished memory of our heroes who gave their all on September 11, 2001, this bill will designate the month of September as a time to show appre- ciation and also provides an annual period where we can recognize and celebrate the service of those who now and in the future will fill the places of our heroes who have served.
Prior legislative history
2016: S.783 - Passed the Senate
2015: S.783 - Passed the Senate
2014: S.1957 - Passed the Senate
2013: S.1957 - Passed the Senate
2012: S.2173 - Passed the Senate
2011: 5.2173 - Referred to Finance
2010: S.1595 - Calendar 3rd Reading
2009: S.1595 - Referred to Finance
2008: S.456 - Passed the Senate
2007: S.456 - Passed the Senate
2006: S.1930 - Referred to Finance
2005 : S.1930- Referred to Finance
2004: S.7646- Calendar 3rd Reading
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.