Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman ANNETTE QUIJANO
District 20 (Union)
SYNOPSIS
Designates October of each year as "First Responders Appreciation Month."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating October of each year as "First Responders Appreciation Month."
Whereas, New Jersey's first responders include paid and volunteer members of law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services, and other organizations in the public safety sector who work tirelessly to keep the residents of this State safe by taking the call and responding in times of crisis; and
Whereas, First responders make a vital and irreplaceable contribution to our State with their willingness to make our communities stronger and safer; and
Whereas, In carrying out their duties, first responders frequently are called upon to put their own lives in jeopardy as they respond to dangerous and devastating incidents and disasters and, tragically, some have paid the ultimate price carrying out their devotion to service of others; and
Whereas, These burdens are carried not only by first responders, but also by their families and loved ones who make great personal sacrifices in order for the first responders to unstintingly serve the residents of this State; and
Whereas, The deep commitment exhibited by first responders to our communities is worthy of admiration and the residents of New Jersey owe a debt of gratitude to the first responders who make our State safe and secure; and
Whereas, Acts of kindness and appreciation from the communities they serve provide first responders with needed encouragement and support to confront the uncertainty they face every day; and
Whereas, It is fitting and proper that the State of New Jersey recognize October of each year as "First Responders Appreciation Month" to salute the contributions of law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency services personnel to the security and well-being of this State; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The month of October is designated as "First Responders Appreciation Month" in recognition of the commitment and service first responders provide to residents of this State.
2. The Governor respectfully is requested to issue annually a proclamation recognizing October as "First Responders Appreciation Month" in New Jersey and to call upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
New Jersey's first responders include paid and volunteer members of law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services, and other organizations in the public safety sector who work tirelessly to keep the residents of this State safe by taking the call and responding in times of crisis. First responders make a vital and irreplaceable contribution to our State with their willingness to make our communities stronger and safer.
In carrying out their duties, first responders frequently are called upon to put their own lives in jeopardy as they respond to dangerous and devastating incidents and disasters and, tragically, some have paid the ultimate price carrying out their devotion to service of others. These burdens are carried not only by first responders, but also by their families and loved ones who make great personal sacrifices in order for the first responders to unstintingly serve the residents of this State.
The deep commitment exhibited by first responders to our communities is worthy of admiration and the residents of New Jersey owe a debt of gratitude to the first responders who make our State safe and secure. Acts of kindness and appreciation from the communities they serve provide first responders with needed encouragement and support to confront the uncertainty they face every day. Accordingly, it is fitting and proper that the State of New Jersey recognize October of each year as "First Responders Appreciation Month" to salute the contributions of law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency services personnel to the security and well-being of this State.