SENATE MEMORIAL 57

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023

INTRODUCED BY

Bill B. O'Neill

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING MARCH 2, 2023 "RECOGNITION OF FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, March 2, 2023 is a day to honor the courage, selflessness and sacrifice of firefighting heroes throughout New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, firefighters risk their lives every day protecting and rescuing people and animals; and

     WHEREAS, firefighters are an integral element of a safe and healthy society; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's firefighters respond to more than two hundred thousand calls and fight more than ten thousand fires per year; and

     WHEREAS, firefighters complete extensive training and education to perform an abundance of society-benefiting functions, including fire suppression and prevention, mitigation of hazardous materials, emergency medical services and rescue; and

     WHEREAS, firefighters dedicate themselves to keeping their communities safe; and

     WHEREAS, firefighters work tirelessly to manage the horrific wildfires that plague New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, firefighters are exposed to deadly hazards and conditions and risk their safety for the lives of others; and

     WHEREAS, firefighters commonly experience overexertion, stress, exhaustion, dehydration, posttraumatic stress disorder and other mental health and medical issues; and

     WHEREAS, firefighters disproportionately sustain serious injuries and illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension and heart attacks; and

     WHEREAS, for the greater good, firefighters and their families choose adversity, uncertainty and sacrifice; and

     WHEREAS, while serving their community, their state and their nation, firefighters fall, leaving their families behind; and

     WHEREAS, it is important to embrace the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice as members of the state's fire services, to comfort family members, friends, colleagues and loved ones and let them know that the service and sacrifice of their fallen hero will never be forgotten;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that March 2, 2023 be declared as "Recognition of Fallen Firefighters Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the state fire marshal's office for appropriate distribution to New Mexico's fire departments.

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