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J3276

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael Della Rocco upon the occasion of

his retirement as Chief of the Schenectady Fire Department



WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in acknowledging

significant milestones in the distinguished careers of its esteemed

public servants; and

WHEREAS, Michael Della Rocco will be honored during a Walking Out

Ceremony on January 30, 2014, upon his well-deserved retirement as Chief

of the Schenectady Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Michael is a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School; he earned

a Bachelors degree, Magna Cum Laude, and a Masters degree from the State

University of New York at Albany, and studied Fire Science at Schenecta-

dy County Community College; and

WHEREAS, He has earned numerous certifications, including Outdoor

Emergency Care Technician, New York State Certified Hazardous Materials

Technician, New York State Fire Investigator Level I and II, New York

State Fire Instructor, New York State Fire Instructor Level I, New York

State Fire Instructor Level II, and New York State Permanent Teacher

Certification; and

WHEREAS, Michael began his distinguished career with the Schenectady

Fire Department as a firefighter in 1975; and

WHEREAS, He served in several important leadership positions, includ-

ing Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Deputy Fire Chief, and Assistant Fire

Chief; and

WHEREAS, Michael has served as Chief since 2011, and has announced his

retirement from this position effective January 31, 2014; and

WHEREAS, He led the first Urban Search and Rescue team on the scene of

the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and was

responsible for the deployment, activity, and safety of all team members

who were on the scene the longest, during the largest such search and

rescue effort in United States history; and

WHEREAS, Michael has contributed his time and expertise to the Sche-

nectady Permanent Firemen's Association, Schenectady City Firefighter's

Union, Local 28, the Schenectady Arson/Fire Investigation Task Force,

and New York State Urban/Technical Search and Rescue; and

WHEREAS, He also served Schenectady County Community College as an

Adjunct Professor of English Composition and Literature from 1977 until

1995, and of Fire Science from 2005 until 2011; and

WHEREAS, Michael has been honored with the Schenectady Fire Depart-

ment's Chief's Medal and Medal of Merit, New York State Fire Administra-

tor's Award for Excellence in Arson Programs, a New York State DHSES

OFPC Commendation, numerous REMO certificates, and several Citations and

Proclamations from State and local officials; and

WHEREAS, In addition, he has been published in numerous professional

publication; and

WHEREAS, Michael has exhibited his athletic ability as a Marine Corps

Marathon Finisher, State Champion in the Chiefs Division of the Fire-

fighter Combat Challenge, multi-medal winner in snowshoeing in the

Empire State Games, and a Firefighter's Team Gold Medal winner in the

Pine Bush Triathalon; and

WHEREAS, His dedication, expertise, and longevity of service have been

tremendous assets to the Schenectady Fire Department and an inspiration

to his fellow firefighters; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to

honor Michael Della Rocco upon the occasion of his retirement from the

Schenectady Fire Department, and to thank him for his dedicated service

to the community; and be it further



RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-

smitted to Michael Della Rocco.

