LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lieutenant Robert E. Lee upon the occa-
sion of his designation as recipient of the James Gordon Bennett Medal,
FDNY's highest honor

WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State, the cornerstone of our
great Nation's efforts to spare us from the ravages of fire, are
renowned throughout the Nation; their reputation is synonymous with
excellence in the arduous field of fire protection, prevention and
fighting; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Lieutenant
Robert E. Lee upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
James Gordon Bennett Medal, FDNY's highest honor, and the New York State
Honorary Fire Chiefs Association Medal for his brave actions; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Robert E. Lee was fittingly honored on FDNY Medal
Day held at the 69th Regiment Armory in Manhattan, on Wednesday, June 4,
2014, for his brave actions while fighting a fire in the basement of a
Bronx house; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Robert E. Lee credits his crew for aggressively
containing the fire which gave him the extra time needed to successfully
rescue a woman and child from their burning home on October 28, 2013,
truly demonstrating quick and astute actions and level headed leader-
ship; and
WHEREAS, Although visibility was zero inside the house, Lieutenant
Robert E. Lee responded without hesitation or concern for his own
welfare; in one bedroom he found a woman on the floor, dragged her to
safety, and returned to look for others in need of assistance; it was
then he found an unconscious girl in another room under the bed, also
rescuing her from the fire; and
WHEREAS, Appointed to the FDNY on October 15, 1995, 43 year-old Lieu-
tenant Robert E. Lee of Kings Park, Long Island, was previously assigned
to Engine 225 and Ladder 107; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding firefighter is a member of the Emerald Soci-
ety and the Company Officers Association; and
WHEREAS, He dutifully served his country as a member of the United
States Navy for four years and participated in Operation Desert Storm,
achieving the rank of Petty Officer; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Robert E. Lee, an 18 year veteran, has been the
recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the 2012 Fire Bell
Club Medal and a Service Rating A; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Lisa, and daughter,
Jenna, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Lieutenant Robert E. Lee richly
merits the admiration of this Legislative Body and his community for his
consummate courage and bravery; he has uniquely distinguished himself
and contributed significantly to the spirit of united purpose and shared
concern which is the cornerstone of public service and community life;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lieutenant Robert E. Lee upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the James Gordon Bennett Medal, FDNY's highest honor; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lieutenant Robert E. Lee.