Bill Text: NJ SR88 | 2012-2013 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commends first responder and utility worker efforts during and after Hurricane Sandy.*
Sponsorship: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-3)
Status: (Passed) 2012-12-21 - Filed with Secretary of State [SR88 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2012-SR88-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator STEPHEN M. SWEENEY
District 3 (Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem)
Senator THOMAS H. KEAN, JR.
District 21 (Morris, Somerset and Union)
SYNOPSIS
Commending first responder efforts during and after Hurricane Sandy.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Senate Resolution commending Hurricane Sandy first responders.
Whereas, Hurricane Sandy made landfall in the United States about 8 p.m. October 29, 2012, striking near Atlantic City, N.J., with winds of 80 miles per hour and during a full moon which made high tides 20 percent higher than normal and amplified Sandy's storm surge; and
Whereas, Hurricane Sandy left a path of destruction as houses were pushed into the sea, streets were flooded, trees and power lines knocked down, and shore boardwalks were ripped apart; and
Whereas, Initially more than 2.4 million New Jersey households lost electric power, and transportation was at standstill with railways underwater, airlines canceling flights, roads were impassable with downed trees and debris, and many gas stations were closed as a result of the power outages and depleted fuel supplies; and
Whereas, Along the Jersey Shore, and Statewide, residents discovered themselves in unsafe areas and found themselves in dangerous even life-threatening situations; and
Whereas, In this time of crises, all up and down the coast first responder emergency personnel, while their own families faced the impact of Hurricane Sandy without their support, effectively guided boats and industrial sized vehicles down flooded streets and removed scores of people to safety from houses and cars; and
Whereas, While these highly trained first responders maintained their commitment to rescuing others, their equipment, vehicles, precincts, and firehouses fell victim to Hurricane Sandy; and
Whereas, Police officers, firefighters and emergency services personnel throughout the State are routinely called upon to serve and protect their fellow citizens by responding to these types of horrendous events and acting heroically to save the lives of others in spite of the clear danger to their own lives; and
Whereas, It is common for first responders to be subjected to dangerous situations, to work overtime without proper sleep, and to spend time away from their families and loved ones; and
Whereas, In responding to danger and devastation brought to our State by the winds and rains of Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey first responders, including local police, fire, rescue and EMS personnel, ably and honorably demonstrated their selfless commitment to their hometowns, their neighbors, and their sworn public duty; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House commends and honors the contributions and stalwart commitment of police officers, firefighters and emergency services personnel for their tremendous efforts and self-sacrifice to assist the residents of this State.
2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the President of the Senate and attested to by the Secretary thereof, shall be transmitted to the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and each county Office of Emergency Management.
STATEMENT
This Senate resolution commends the contributions of first responder personnel in recognition and appreciation of the dedicated service that the members of the police, fire, and emergency service departments in the State of New Jersey have rendered to their fellow citizens.
