Senate Resolution No. 4749

BY: Senator BENJAMIN

HONORING Lieutenant Michael R. Davidson
posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor
bestowed upon an individual by the New York State
Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Lieutenant
Michael R. Davidson posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Michael R. Davidson of the New York City Fire
Department made the ultimate sacrifice on Friday, March 23, 2018, while
responding to an emergency call, leaving behind his wife, Eileen, and
their four young children; and

WHEREAS, Having served for Engine 69 in Harlem, New York, like his
father, Lieutenant Michael R. Davidson served for 15 years, having been
cited four times for bravery life-saving actions; as the nozzleman, he
was often the first to run into a burning building and towards danger to
protect the residents of his community; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Michael R. Davidson genuinely loved being a
firefighter; he was a vital member of the Floral Park community as well
as Engine 69; he volunteered countless hours of service to not only his
Floral Park neighbors, but to numerous lives in the State of New York;
and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Michael R. Davidson was known by many as a
natural born leader and one of the finest firefighters in the State of
New York; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Michael R. Davidson's engine team and neighbors
feel truly blessed to have known and loved him; he was a devoted father
and a beloved husband who dedicated his life to caring for his family;
he will be remembered as a warm and caring friend who was always ready
to lend a helping hand; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, 37 year-old Lieutenant
Michael R. Davidson touched many people 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, Having passed too soon, Michael R. Davidson has been
posthumously raised to the esteemed ranking of Lieutenant; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Michael R. Davidson exemplified what it truly
means to give of himself in providing vital firefighting services and in
keeping with the noble mission of the New York City Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated firefighters who unselfishly devote their lives to the
protection of others are worthy and due full praise for their commitment
and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lieutenant Michael R. Davidson posthumously upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor
bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Lieutenant Michael R. Davidson.