K 544: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 28, 2025, as First Responders Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 544 BY: M. of A. Buttenschon MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 28, 2025, as First Responders Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and applaud outstanding individuals within our communities whose actions and accomplishments contribute to the health, safety and well-being of the communities of the State of New York and to the quality of life of its people; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 28, 2025, as First Responders Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National First Responders Day; and WHEREAS, First Responders are a unique part of New York State's history; and WHEREAS, First Responders typically include law enforcement officers, including state troopers, deputies, all federal law enforcement-based agents, and school resource officers, as well as paramedics, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, rescuers, military personnel, sanitation workers, public works; and WHEREAS, The methods used by today's First Responders date back to the American Civil War when Army doctors mobilized new methods of first aid, helping shape our understanding of first aid and military medicine today; and WHEREAS, The first civilian ambulance service in New York was organized in 1869 by Bellevue Hospital, the oldest operating hospital in the United States; and WHEREAS, National First Responders Day recognizes the heroic men and women who make it their business to take immediate action when disaster strikes; and WHEREAS, On September 11, 2001, First Responders were critical in the hours following the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, where 60 police officers and 343 firefighters and paramedics died; and WHEREAS, On January 30, 2009, First Responder Mark David from Cape Vincent, New York, was killed in the line of duty, becoming the inspiration behind Mark's Law, elevating penalties for the murder of First Responders in New York State; and WHEREAS, During Hurricane Irene in 2011, and Superstorm Sandy in 2012, First Responders were at work helping others before helping themselves, providing care to the thousands of fellow citizens affected by the storms, while their own homes were destroyed and their families were in need of assistance; and WHEREAS, In 2015, there were nearly 1.2 million people employed as First Responders; many of them were veterans, including 10% of emergency medical technicians (EMTs), 19% of firefighters and 25% of police officers; and WHEREAS, In September of 2017, the State of New York approved a bill honoring First Responders who saved many lives and who put their own lives in danger; and WHEREAS, On June 7, 2019, the United States Senate unanimously passed a bill designating October 28th as the Nation's First Responders Day; and WHEREAS, A tragedy of any kind, whether a natural disaster or sense-less catastrophe, never leaves the heart of the community; and WHEREAS, A First Responder is a person whose job entails being the first one on the scene of an emergency; and WHEREAS, First Responders, in many cases, are volunteers and play an integral role in making a difference in appalling circumstances; and WHEREAS, First Responders are there whenever people are at risk, spending countless hours, and sacrificing personal and professional time to promote the safety of their neighbors; these extraordinary individuals continue to help and save the lives of their fellow citizens; and WHEREAS, When others are running away from danger, First Responders are there to make certain lives are saved, doing whatever it takes with an amazing capacity for courage and compassion; and WHEREAS, Our unending gratitude and respect are owed to these devoted individuals whose responsibility is the preservation of life and who make that responsibility their own by serving as First Responders; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 28, 2025, as First Responders Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.