Senate Resolution No. 435 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement after 21 years of distinguished service to the Utica Fire Department WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stature of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement after 21 years of distinguished service to the Utica Fire Department; and WHEREAS, Firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and the strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic magnitude; their sacrifices and their selfless dedication merit tribute and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and WHEREAS, For the past 21 years, Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the Utica Fire Department; and WHEREAS, Mello Testa Jr. joined the Utica Fire Department on March 27, 2004, and rose through the ranks to the position of Lieutenant in 2015; and WHEREAS, In his capacity as a Lieutenant in the department, Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. served with loyalty, honor and distinction; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure of admirable service, Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. continually demonstrated a high knowledge and understanding of leadership, training, and educational roles with the department and his crews; and WHEREAS, For his courageous and lifesaving efforts at a housefire in 2007, coupled with his dedication to volunteerism and community service, Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. was recognized as Firefighter of the Year by the American Legion Post 229 on November 6, 2008; he is also the two-time recipient of the William Acquaviva Memorial Award; and WHEREAS, In his official acts, Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; and WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Utica Fire Department, Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. earned the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his cherished wife, Samantha, and beloved children, Mello and Antonella, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, It takes a special dedication, a strong desire to help others, and a tireless sense of community to forsake precious time with family and friends to respond to the signal that a neighbor is in need; Mello Testa Jr. is one such firefighter; throughout 21 years of devoted service, he heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection, and is justly worthy of this recognition and the many joyful years of retirement in his future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Firefighter Mello Testa Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement after 21 years of distinguished service; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Firefighter Mello Testa Jr.