Senate Resolution No. 2750

BY: Senator PHILLIPS

MOURNING the death of Raymond Joseph Pfeifer,
retired FDNY firefighter, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community

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, Firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and
the strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic
magnitude; their sacrifices and their selfless dedication merit tribute
and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Raymond Joseph Pfeifer of
Hicksville, New York, on Sunday, May 28, 2017, at the age of 59, due to
complications of cancers he contracted while searching the Lower
Manhattan site after the 2001 terrorist attacks; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Joseph Pfeifer, affectionately known as Ray, was
born in Queens, New York, on February 6, 1958, to Joseph Pfeifer and the
former Helen McAdam; after graduating from Division Avenue High School,
he joined the East Meadow Fire Department, where he served for four
decades; and

WHEREAS, In 1987, Ray Pfeifer became a member of the New York Fire
Department (FDNY); a

27-year veteran of FDNY Engine 40/Ladder 35, he spent eight months
digging through the toxic debris of the collapsed World Trade Center in
search of his lost FDNY brothers, including many close friends among the
343 department fatalities that day; and

WHEREAS, Even as his condition worsened, Ray Pfeifer lead the fight
to extend health care benefits for emergency workers and survivors of
the 9/11 attacks; the goal of the campaign was to extend federal
legislation, providing health care monitoring and other assistance,
which had been approved by Congress in 2010; and

WHEREAS, Those federal benefits would have expired in 2015 without
the steadfast and unwavering commitment of Ray Pfeifer and a coalition
which included comedian Jon Stewart and a group of survivors; and

WHEREAS, Through his tireless efforts, Ray Pfeifer was instrumental
in Congress' extension of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation
Act's compensation provisions to 2020, and its health care measures to
2090; and

WHEREAS, Ray Pfeifer was a true fighter who bravely battled fires as
a New York City firefighter and fought tirelessly for all first
responders who, like him, suffered from World Trade Center-related
illness; 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;
Raymond Pfeifer was such a firefighter; throughout 27 years of devoted
service, this man heroically performed, above and beyond the call of
duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection;
and

WHEREAS, Ray Pfeifer is survived by his loving wife, Caryn; his
children, Taylor and Terence; four sisters, Maryellen, Noreen, Patricia
and Kathleen; and two brothers, Joseph and Daniel; as well as a legion
of fellow firefighters and friends who will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, Ray Pfeifer touched many
through his kindness and commitment to service, and, as we recall the
loss of this great man, we memorialize his remarkable life and the
enormous impact he had on everyone with whom he came in contact; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of a
courageous firefighter who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family and community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Raymond Joseph Pfeifer, retired FDNY firefighter,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Raymond Joseph Pfeifer.