House Concurrent Resolution 94

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION HEREINAFTER DESIGNATING THE FIRST MONDAY OF FEBRUARY AS FIREFIGHTER APPRECIATION DAY IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, our many proud men and women firefighters, who serve in the capacity of a full-time professional or as a volunteer, perform a vital public service and are recognized as heroic individuals who define the true meaning of valor and selflessness; and

WHEREAS, all Mississippians benefit from the noble efforts of our highly trained firefighters every time they answer the alarm and speed off to combat a fire, and each of us has a greater sense of security knowing these men and women are well prepared to battle blazes, large and small, and the devastation they can bring; and

WHEREAS, facing immeasurable risks every time they answer a call, professional and volunteer firefighters demonstrate the highest degree of selflessness and concern for their fellow citizens, always ready and willing to respond to fires and other emergency situations in our communities; and

WHEREAS, while the potential dangers of each incident are undeterminable and unknown, firefighters in the State of Mississippi exemplify the highest level of public service, both through their courage and their commitment to the highest standards of professionalism maintained through frequent training and retraining; and

WHEREAS, in these dangerous and uncertain times in our state and nation’s history, the job of firefighters has become increasingly demanding as new concerns and issues are addressed, including the threat of weapons of mass destruction that can involve radiological, biological or toxic contaminants, among others; and

WHEREAS, as a state, it is necessary to commit to honor those who risk the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe and, each February, we commemorate the firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty by paying respect to their memory; and

WHEREAS, this occasion also provides our elected leaders an opportunity to celebrate the day-to-day heroism of all firefighters across the State of Mississippi, as all Mississippians join to express gratitude to the remarkable people who proudly wear the firefighter’s uniform:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereinafter designate the first Monday of February as Firefighter Appreciation Day throughout the State of Mississippi, encourage all of its citizens to recognize its observance and extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the firefighters who so selflessly dedicate their lives to the service of a public whom they do not know.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the State Fire Marshal and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.