LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to Firefighter Ryan Blackwell, in
recognition of his prompt and heroic actions on September 14, 2013

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery every
day in the course of their duties; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the life and property of anoth-
er; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay trib-
ute to 25-year-old Firefighter Ryan Blackwell, in recognition of his
prompt and heroic actions on September 14, 2013; and
WHEREAS, While working an overnight shift with FDNY Ladder 32, a call
came in reporting a fire on the fifth floor of a six-story Bronx apart-
ment building; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Ryan Blackwell, along with other crew members,
had to knock down the door to enter the burning building; the fire had
begun in the kitchen and was moving into the hallway; and
WHEREAS, Encountering difficult conditions including heavy heat and
zero visibility, Firefighter Ryan Blackwell was able to push the fire
back into the kitchen with an extinguisher; and
WHEREAS, Feeling his way down the hallway, he found a 54-year-old
woman unconscious; disregarding his own personal safety and acting in a
manner which personifies the finest traditions of those who place their
lives in peril to serve others, Firefighter Ryan Blackwell was success-
ful in removing the woman from harm's way; and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately, a second victim trapped in the burning build-
ing succumbed to his injuries; and
WHEREAS, Ryan Blackwell of Brewster, New York, realized his dream of
following in his late father's footsteps when he became a New York City
firefighter just this year; Christopher Blackwell, a decorated member of
FDNY Rescue 3, made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, Prior to joining the New York City Fire Department, Ryan
Blackwell was a volunteer firefighter with the Putnam Lake Fire Depart-
ment; and
WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Firefighter Ryan Blackwell rich-
ly merits the admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for
his consummate courage and bravery on September 14, 2013; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to Firefighter Ryan Blackwell, in recognition of his prompt and
heroic actions; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Ryan Blackwell.