Ceretto passes bill to memorialize fallen firefighters

Assemblyman John D. Ceretto, R-I-Lewiston, helped pass legislation Thursday that allows the names of all firefighters whose deaths resulted from services performed in the line of duty to be inscribed on the memorial at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.

"This bill will help to ensure that all of the state's firefighters who die in the line of duty are recognized and honored for the ultimate sacrifice that they made on behalf of the communities they served," Ceretto said. "The memorial was designed to recognize both volunteer and paid firefighters, and this bill will ensure that all firefighters who die in the line of duty receive the recognition they deserve."

Ceretto noted that the legislation was passed to ensure that all firefighters, regardless if they are paid or volunteer, are included on the memorial and to set clear guidelines for the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial's selection committee.

Under the bill, firefighters' names will be added to The Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Albany as long as they are bonafide members of a recognized fire protection prevention organization, are engaged in a "line-of-duty" activity, and their death was a direct and proximate result of a line-of-duty injury.

"It is imperative that we, as a state, do all that is in our power to remember the brave firefighters, both volunteer and paid, who have given their lives in service to our communities," said Rodney Michalak, president of Lewiston No. 2 Volunteer Fire Co. "I commend Assemblyman Ceretto for his efforts to ensure that all firefighters who die in the line of duty are properly honored."