LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring three Queens-bred Verizon technicians in
recognition of their prompt and heroic actions in preventing a violent
crime

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the concerned and heroic acts of those citizens who would volun-
tarily take immediate and appropriate action to protect the health and
safety of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
three Queens-bred Verizon technicians in recognition of their prompt and
heroic actions in preventing a violent crime; and
WHEREAS, While on the job, Verizon technicians Michael Popowich,
Anthony Howley and John Gilday came to the aid of a woman who was being
attacked; and
WHEREAS, Through their quick and astute actions, the trio chased down
the attacker, detaining him until the police arrived; and
WHEREAS, In their spontaneous and heroic acts, Michael Popowich,
Anthony Howley and John Gilday truly demonstrated their extraordinary
character and exceptional compassion for the welfare of others, person-
ifying, by virtue of their actions, the collective concern of ordinary
citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily respond
without thought of danger or reward when others are in need of help; and
WHEREAS, Michael Popowich, who resides in Massapequa Park, Long
Island, is the proud father of three children; for the past 27 years, he
has been a valued and exemplary employee whose experience and dependa-
bility have always played an integral part in the success of Verizon;
and
WHEREAS, Michael Popowich has worked tirelessly helping to rebuild the
Verizon plant and restoring service to thousands of its customers, both
residential and business, after many storms, including Hurricane Irene
and Super Storm Sandy; and
WHEREAS, Born in London, England, Anthony Howley was raised in Sunny-
side and Elmhurst, Queens, and currently resides in Forest Hills,
Queens, with his wife, Meredith, and their two sons, Owen and Finn; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Howley began working for New York Telephone on April
8, 1991; for 23 years, he too has been a dedicated and valued employee
and played a vital part restoring service to thousands of Verizon
customers, both residential and business, after countless storms includ-
ing Hurricane Irene, microburst storms and Super Storm Sandy; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Maspeth, New York, John Gilday started
working for Verizon as a Lineman in Queens, New York; in 1995, he moved
to Douglaston, New York, and the following year, he married his wife,
Randi; together they are the proud parents of one daughter, Randi; and
WHEREAS, A native of Queens, John Gilday has worked for Verizon for
over 26 years and throughout that time, has been an integral part in the
build out of Verizon FiOS network in Queens; and
WHEREAS, Justly recognized as heroes, Michael Popowich, Anthony Howley
and John Gilday richly merit the admiration of this Legislative Body and
their community for their consummate courage and bravery on October 30,
2013; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor three Queens-bred Verizon technicians in recognition of their

prompt and heroic actions in preventing a violent crime; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael Popowich, Anthony Howley and John Gilday.