LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending 2nd Assistant Chief Michael Hallquest
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2014 Firefight-
er of the Year Award by the Sea Cliff Fire Department

WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State are renowned throughout the
Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the arduous
fields of fire protection and prevention and public safety; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend 2nd Assistant Chief
Michael Hallquest upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2014 Firefighter of the Year Award by the Sea Cliff Fire Department,
to be celebrated at its 131st Installation of Officers on Friday, May 8,
2015; and
WHEREAS, On October 10, 2014, the Sea Cliff Fire Department was noti-
fied of a male who had fallen off his bicycle; while responding to the
firehouse, two members stopped at the scene to render assistance; upon
arrival, the two members found a male lying in the street, not breath-
ing, with no pulse; and
WHEREAS, At this time, the two members began CPR until 2nd Assistant
Chief Michael Hallquest arrived, immediately taking over the CPR duties;
an EMT and firefighter applied a defibrillator and ensured an open
airway to administer oxygen and perform ventilations; and
WHEREAS, Although the situation could have been a dire one, today, the
man is alive and well and 2nd Assistant Chief Michael Hallquest's quick
and astute actions are credited with saving a life; this brave man is
truly an asset to the residents of the Village of Sea Cliff; and
WHEREAS, Through his courageous and heroic actions, 2nd Assistant
Chief Michael Hallquest demonstrated the traditions of honor, dedi-
cation, knowledge and compassion, exemplifying Sea Cliff's motto of
conscientious, caring service; he showed the fire service tradition of
selflessness by risking his own life to save the life of another; his
ability to react, presence of mind, and ability to maintain his compo-
sure under deteriorating conditions make him an example of a dedicated
hero; and
WHEREAS, Volunteer firefighters and fire departments not only provide
the critical service of fire protection but also engage in other activ-
ities of great benefit and importance to the communities they serve; and
WHEREAS, It takes a special dedication, a strong desire to help others
and a tireless sense of community to forsake precious time with family
and friends to respond to the signal that a neighbor is in need; 2nd
Assistant Chief Michael Hallquest is such a firefighter; throughout many
years of devoted service, this volunteer heroically performed, above and
beyond the call of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of
fire protection; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend 2nd Assistant Chief Michael Hallquest upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2014 Firefighter of the Year Award by
the Sea Cliff Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to 2nd Assistant Chief Michael Hallquest.