Fighting Rages in the Syrian Capital for a Second Day

With reports of blocked highways, snipers and explosions, Monday has shaped up to be another day of intense violence in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Al Jazeera's James Bays has more.

Politics in Action: S. 3369

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

S. 3369 – Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on

Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act

(Sen. Whitehouse, D-RI, and 27 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly supports Senate passage of S. 3369.  The DISCLOSE Act is a necessary measure to ensure transparency and accountability and to equip Americans with the tools to know who is attempting to influence the Nation's elections. 

The Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 558 U.S. 50 (2010), allowed unlimited corporate and special-interest money in elections, bringing about an era where corporations and other wealthy interests can exert vastly disproportionate influence, including through anonymous donations.  Under the DISCLOSE Act, any "covered organization" that spends $10,000 or more on campaign-related disbursements would be required to file a disclosure report with the Federal Election Commission within 24 hours of the expenditure, and to file a new report for each additional $10,000 or more that is spent.  In addition, the bill provides mechanisms to allow organizations to keep non-political donations private.  

In the absence of the disclosure rules in S. 3369, corporations and wealthy individuals will continue to be able to shield their donations from disclosure.  Congress should act now to hold corporations and special interests that participate in the Nation's elections accountable to the American people.

NY Counties Share Nearly $13 Million in Crime Fighting Grants

Funding Granted Through Operation IMPACT for Violent/Gun Crime and Domestic Abuse

Nearly $13 million has been awarded under Operation IMPACT to 17 counties to target violent and gun crime and domestic violence.

The IMPACT jurisdictions receiving funding today report 80 percent of the crime in the state outside of New York City.

Operation IMPACT consists of a partnership among the primary police department and the District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office and Probation Department in each county, as well as state and federal agencies, including Parole, the New York State Police, and the United States Marshals.

The grants, which are administered by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), fund personnel and technology that allow the IMPACT partners to fight, reduce and prevent crime through the analysis of data and trends, development and sharing of intelligence and targeted enforcement efforts.

"We must do all we can to ensure that New York State is a safe place to live, raise a family and do business," Governor Cuomo said.

"This funding through Operation IMPACT will provide much-needed resources so that local law enforcement partners can develop community-specific strategies designed to prevent and reduce crime.

By working together and encouraging collaboration across all levels of government, we will be able to make communities across New York a safer place for all."

"Local governments must constantly do more with less. Funding available through Operation IMPACT provides agencies in the state’s urban centers – some of which have been hit harder by the financial crisis – with additional resources to fight violent crime that destroys families and communities," said New York’s Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Elizabeth Glazer.

DCJS Executive Deputy Commissioner Michael C. Green noted, "As a former District Attorney, I know first-hand the importance of Operation IMPACT. The program is effective because partners work together, using intelligence-driven policing, data and technology to address persistent and emerging crime through strategies designed to both prevent crime and hold those who commit crimes accountable."

The following jurisdictions and counties received funding through the program:

Albany Police Department/Albany County: $873,400
Binghamton Police Department/ Broome County: $377,700
Jamestown Police Department/Chautauqua County: $226,100
Poughkeepsie Police Department/Dutchess County: $339,375
Buffalo Police Department/Erie County: $1,494,500
Rochester Police Department/Monroe County: $1,723,300
Nassau County Police Department/Nassau County: $971,400
Niagara Falls Police Department/Niagara County: $611,900
Utica Police Department/Oneida County: $436,300
Syracuse Police Department/Onondaga County: $1,093,300
City of Newburgh Police Department/Orange County: $676,850
Troy Police Department/Rensselaer County: $488,700
Spring Valley Police Department/ Rockland County: $185,900
Schenectady Police Department/Schenectady County: $721,900
Suffolk County Police Department/Suffolk County: $1,170,580
Kingston Police Department/Ulster County: $249,300
Yonkers Police Department/Westchester County: $1,347,450

Three counties have a secondary police department involved in the initiative, which also receive funding: Hempstead Police in Nassau County, Middletown Police in Orange County and Mount Vernon Police in Westchester County.

The grants are awarded competitively, with priority given to those jurisdictions with the highest volume of crime. Nine counties received an increase in funding over last year’s awards: Erie, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Ulster and Westchester.

The total amount available for the program this year was about 1 percent less than last year’s figure of $13.06 million.

In 2011, the total number of index crimes reported by the 17 primary police departments that participate in Operation IMPACT – 109,233 – was at its lowest in 10 years.

Seven index crimes are used by the state and FBI to monitor overall crime trends and give law enforcement a tool to gauge their effectiveness and drive decision-making about staffing and day-to-day agency operations.

Four index crimes are classified as violent: murder, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault, and three are classified as property: burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft.

The percentage of firearm-related violent crime peaked in 2006, at 26.2 percent; last year, 23.6 percent of violent crimes involved a firearm.

Last year, IMPACT jurisdictions experienced a 3.8 percent reduction in crime, with decreases reported in every crime category except burglary, when compared to 2010. Violent crime was down 6 percent, and property crime down 4 percent. 

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services is a multi-function criminal justice support agency with a variety of responsibilities, including collection and analysis of statewide crime data; operation of the DNA databank and criminal fingerprint files; administration of federal and state criminal justice funds; support of criminal justice-related agencies across the state; and administration of the state’s Sex Offender Registry and a toll-free telephone number (1-800-262-3257) that allows anyone to research the status of an offender.

Image courtesy of http://www.amazing-animations.com.

New Law Protects NY Teens from Indoor Tanning

Cuomo: "Exposure to UV Radiation Can Be Extremely Harmful...."

Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed legislation to better protect teens from dangerous exposure to UV radiation by limiting their access to indoor tanning facilities.

The new law prohibits the use of indoor tanning devices by children less than 17 years of age and requires teens between the ages of 17 and 18 to obtain parental consent.

"Exposure to UV radiation can be extremely harmful, particularly for younger people, and this new law will help protect teenagers from the heightened risk of skin cancer that can come from using indoor tanning devices," Governor Cuomo said.

"This legislation recognizes that many tanning salons are small businesses facing economic challenges, however, protecting our children must always be our first priority. I thank Senator Fuschillo and Assembly Member Weisenberg for their hard work on this legislation."

Under previous law, individuals under 14 years of age were prohibited from using UV radiation devices and individuals between 14 and 18 years of age were required to present the signature of a parent or legal guardian.

Under the legislation signed by the Governor today, minors 16 years of age and younger will be prohibited from using UV indoor tanning devices, and parental consent will be required for those between the ages of 17 and 18. This law takes effect in 30 days.

“Research has shown that indoor UV tanning can be potentially dangerous; it greatly increases the risk of developing skin cancer and exposes skin to UV radiation that is far more intense than what the sun produces,” said Senator Charles J. Fuschillo.

“This new law will help protect children from something that can cause them serious health problems later in life. I applaud Governor Cuomo for signing it."

Assembly Member Harvey Weisenberg added, "Indoor tanning at an early age is, unfortunately, one of those things that people live to regret. I thank the Governor for taking this important step to prevent cancer."

Photo courtesy of http://forladiesbyladies.com.

Addabbo, Resorts World Casino Execs Discuss June 29 Robbery

 

Statement from NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. 

Queens, NY -- On Tuesday, July 10, I met with senior management at Resorts World as a follow-up to the robbery incident that occurred there on June 29. I was briefed on the facts surrounding said incident, and issues such as the ongoing investigation and additional security personnel were discussed.  Resorts World’s state-of-the-art digital surveillance system has provided law enforcement with the information necessary to identify the perpetrator.  I commend Resorts World for their rapid response to this isolated incident and I am hopeful that the individual will be apprehended soon.

Details on the robbery are available here: Queens Casino Robbed at Gunpoint

Image courtesy of http://freevectorstuff.blogspot.com.

Ana and Joe: A Wedding to Remember

Ana & Joe 6.10.12 from AJ Ingoglia Films on Vimeo.
 

Newlyweds Share Amazing Four-Minute Video Summary of the Special Event

From The G-Man would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bonilla on their recent wedding. 

The couple, who are devoted fans and supporters of this site, was married on June 10, 2012 at the Venetian Yacht Club in Babylon, New York. 

The video was submitted by the Bonillas, and in the midst of all the economic, political and social turmoil taking place in America and abroad, From The G-Man hopes this wedding footage will serve as a powerful reminder that culture, family, friends and true love are what we need to survive -- and that there are, contrary to numerous news reports, some outstanding young people in this country.

'Apartheid Definitely Played Its Role in the Worsening of the Situation'

Flag of Cape Town, South Africa

South African Resident Says Politics and Corporate Greed Helped Create Flooding Crisis

A SPECIAL GUEST COMMENTARY

On July 15, From The G-Man was contacted by a South African laborer and citizen-journalist. The correspondent, who asked that his identity not be disclosed for fear of retribution from the South African government, wanted to respond to a news story about the flooding crisis that was posted on the site. The Aljazeera-linked news report can be viewed here: South Africa's Poor Hit Hardest by Floods

The following commentary was submitted by the former Cape Town resident to provide Americans, as well as those abroad, with information about the conditions and/or situations that are responsible for past and present flooding disasters. 

According to the correspondent, "I felt the need to comment on your recent article. I grew up in Cape Town and felt the need to comment on what appears to be an impossible situation." 

Flooding in the Western Cape

Many people live on the Cape Flats for one reason or another, which may not have anything to do with poverty or apartheid. The 'Cape Flats' are called that for good reason, as they are part of the extensive wetland chain that extends between the Cape Peninsula and the Boland mountain range -- literally 'highlands'.

Millions of years ago, the entire area was submerged and the peninsula was in fact an island of sorts. This wetland, as it is now, should never have been occupied by modern humans with houses and streets and the infrastructure that goes with it, but human nature being what it is, the occupation was inevitable.

Apartheid definitely played its role in the worsening of the situation by forcibly removing thousands of people from otherwise unaffected suburbs further away from the 'Flats', although this occupation would have occurred naturally sooner or later. As the Cape Flats is a wetland, the water table is very near the surface, and it only takes a few days of (otherwise) good rains to top it up, causing the flooding that has now become an annual event.

How do we fix it? This is a question that has plagued the city's engineers for many years now. The use of dykes is not really possible because the water tends to literally rise up out of the ground and not seep in from the sea. Let me state that this is not a professional opinion, merely an educated guess.

There is much history underlying this problem, but for me the solution, no matter how radical it may seem, lies in decentralization. One of the problems is that the 'political game' over the past few decades has encouraged the migration of 'voters' into the Western Cape from the Eastern Cape, where many of these people would have been living in a different kind of rural poverty due to the so-called 'betterment schemes' of the 1960's.

The culture of the people of the Eastern Cape -- mostly Xhosas -- has been systematically destroyed over the past few hundred years. This is nothing unique to South Africa because “first peoples” have always come off second best when it comes to clashing with the 'inevitable' progress of Western culture.

Thankfully, mankind has pushed itself to the brink of its own extinction and a global awakening is on the verge of occurring. Whether or not we will survive this is entirely up to how fast we come to consciousness and realize that the past 10,000 years was a dreadful mistake and we need to consider a better way of dealing with the problem…and fast!

I know this must sound like a mad flight of fancy, but there is some method behind the madness. We've all been looking at the problem from an anthropocentric point of view, and perhaps it's time to start looking at the bigger picture and realizing that our human dithering is getting us into really big trouble with our Mother, the Earth.

Donilon Meets with Israeli Officials

Statement by National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor

National Security Advisor Tom Donilon visited Israel on July 14-15 for consultations with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Barak, and National Security Advisor Gen. Amidror.

In these meetings, the National Security Advisor reaffirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to Israel's security. His visit was the latest in a series of ongoing U.S. consultations with Israeli officials on a range of regional security issues. 

Top Newsy Headlines: Worst Fighting Yet in Syria

Sources:TheTelegraphFrance24CNNESPN 

By Jim Flink
Anchor: Jim Flink
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Editor's note: Newsy videos can be viewed back-to-back following this news report. 

Turkey's Alawites' Fears Over Syria Uprising

Alawites in neighbouring Turkey are concerned at the increasingly sectarian tone of the uprising. Historically persecuted in Turkey, they have a rather different view of events in Syria, and many fear for the future in both countries. Anita McNaught reports from Harbi-yay in Southern Turkey.

Syrian Opposition Artist Pays Ultimate Price

Since the Syrian uprising began, people from all walks of life have taken up the fight on both sides. Artist Moheed Zuhori used pens, crayons and whatever he could find, to support the anti-government movement. Zuhori suffered a shrapnel wound to the head and later died in a hospital in Lebanon. He was buried alongside two cameramen who were killed as they were documented the violence. Al Jazeera's Will Jordan reports.

Outrage Over Guwahati Molestation Video

A video of a gang of young men molesting a young girl in public has shocked a nation and has sparked angry protests across the country. And while four of the attackers have been apprehended, some activists say the incident highlights how poorly women's rights are taken in this country. Just this week, a council of village elders in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh - issued a so-called diktat banning women from using mobile phones, and from moving about freely. Even though local officials have condemned the move as illegal, it's a worrying development in the world's largest democracy. Al Jazeera's Soraya Lennie reports from Guwahati city.

Herat Schoolteacher on Girls' Education Under Taliban

Nasrin Obaidi, an English teacher at the Tajrabawi high school in Herat province, describes the difficulty Afghan women and girls faced in getting an education during the "unforgettable" period of Taliban control in Afghanistan.

Security in Goma Vital for DRC Peace

Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been threatening to attack the city of Goma. UN peacekeepers say they'll do everything in their power to prevent a rebel takeover. Al Jazeera's Peter Greste explains why Goma is so important to all sides.

Weekly Address: It’s Time for Congress to Pass the Middle Class Tax Cut Extension

First Lady Michelle Obama Honors National Design Awards Winners

Top Newsy Headlines: U.N. Monitors to Syria Massacre Site

Sources:SkyNewseuronewsITVAlJazeera 

By Nathan Byrne
Anchor: Nathan Byrne
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

U.N. Blames Syrian Government for Massacre, Wants Sanctions

Sources:CHANNEL5(UK)VoiceofAmericaTelegraph
SkyNewsNewYorkTimesCNN 

By John O'Connor
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Obama: Not Telling 'Story' Biggest First-Term Mistake

Sources:CBSHotAirYouTubeFoxNews 

By Nichole Cartmell
Anchor: Carissa Loethen
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Media Speculates About Condoleezza Rice VP Pick Again

Sources:CNNSanJoseMercuryNewsABCNews
FoxNewsUSnews.comTheNewYorkTimes
MSNBCFoxNews 

By Jonn Rehagen
Anchor: Christian Bryant
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Federal Agencies Provide Conflicting Reports of Solar Storm

Sources:CBCNewsSpace.comWAFF
WashingtonPostLosAngelesTimesWired 

By Christian Bryant
Anchor: Christian Bryant
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Calls for Firm UN Action After Syria Killings

Activists in Syria have uploaded video, which Al Jazeera cannot independently verify, of what they say are funerals in Tremseh. The opposition blames government militias, but the government denies responsibility. Al Jazeera's Jane Ferguson reports.

UK Enforces Olympic Flight Restrictions

Britain has imposed a restriction on the airspace over London ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games which start in a fortnight with a warning that planes that stray into the zone could ultimately be shot down. Under the Olympic air security plan, 48km of airspace surrounding the Olympic park will become a no-fly zone and general aviation will not be allowed in but passenger planes heading for Heathrow or London City airports will not be affected. There is also a larger restricted zone which includes Stanstead, Luton and Gatwick airports and while private pilots can enter this area, but must submit their flight plans ahead of time. Al Jazeera's Laurence Lee reports.

China-Philippines in Tense Standoff

A regional summit in Asia has ended in serious discord. That is because parties could not agree on how to deal with a territorial dispute. Several countries have competing claims over parts of the South China Sea. But it is the Philippines and China who are in a tense standoff over the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines says that the area is within 200 nautical miles from its coast, and therefore part of its exclusive economic zone, under UN maritime laws. But China says it has a historic claim to the territory. (INVIS) An Aljazeera team experienced first-hand how China is establishing its presence there. Al Jazeera's Steve Chao reports.

US State Faces Lawsuit for Sub-Standard Education

The American Civil Liberties Union says the US state of Michigan and the Highland Park School District failed to properly educate the state's children. The accusation has prompted a class-action law suit - the first of its kind, says hundreds of students from the Detroit-area district are functionally illiterate, and are not reading well enough for their age. The school district has not responded to the legal action and already facing an $11 million deficit, and so the problem may not be corrected anytime soon. Al Jazeera's Scott Heidler explains.

West Wing Week 7/13/12

Top Newsy Headlines: JPMorgan Chase Loses $4.4 Billion

Sources:CNNeuronewsBBCFoxNews 

By Nathan Byrne
Anchor: Nathan Byrne
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

When Did Romney Leave Bain Capital, and Does it Matter?

Sources:TheBostonGlobeBarackObama.com
MittRomney.comTheNewYorkTimesMSNBC
LegalInsurrectionHotAir 

By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Ron Paul's Alamo: Last Stand Could Put Candidate on Ballot

Sources:MSNBCYouTubeTheGuardian

LosAngelesTimesABCNews 

By Zach Toombs

Anchor: Christina Hartman

Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Wells Fargo Settles Race Discrimination Case

Sources:WBTWABCNewYorkTimesBusinessWeek
NationalMortgageProfessionalMagazineLATimes
WallStreetJournalDepartmentofJustice 

By Ferdous Al-Faruque
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Aljazeera's Top News Stories

Russia Parliament Targets Foreign-Funded NGOs

Russia's lower house of parliament, known as the Duma, has passed the third reading of a bill that aims to label foreign funded NGOs as "foreign agents". Opposition groups say the law is the latest attempt by President Valdimir Putin to stifle political opposition. Jonah Hull reports from Moscow.

Haitians Protest Against Plan to Demolish Homes

Many Haitians have marched in the capital Port-au-Prince to protest a government plan to relocate hundreds of families before destroying their homes in a shantytown on the city's outskirts for a flood-control project. The government says it needs to clear the town of Jalousi, which sits on the edge of a ravine, in order to reforest a hill to reduce the risk of flooding as the rainy season approaches. Many residents of the town also voiced anger about the new slums they would be moved to, saying the government has repeatedly reneged on promises to build them proper new homes years after an earthquake devasated much of the country. Rachel Levin reports from Port-au-Prince.

UN Peacekeepers Protecting DR Congo Civilians

African leaders call for military action as UN peacekeepers move in to protect civilians from a rebel army - M23 - that is moving closer. Not everyone believes that the UN will be able to defend cities from the rebel army; some residents say that the UN should leave because they are not able to protect the people.

SWC Issues 'Letter of Protest' to Secretary Clinton

(Click photo to enlarge.)

Facility Outraged Over Israel's Blatant Omission from Prestigious Global Counter-Terrorism Forum 

Algeria, Australia, Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, European Union France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.

These countries make up the Global Counterterrorism Forum, a group formed in 2011 under the leadership of the United States, to “provide a unique platform for senior [counterterrorism] policymakers and experts from key partners in different regions to share key insights and best practices.”

But who’s missing? The State of Israel, according to the Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC).

The SWC notes that following Israel’s blatant omission when the Global Counterterrorism Forum was created, assurances were given by the United States government that a way would be found to include the Jewish State.

“It is one year later, and nothing has changed,” stated Rabbi Marvin Hier, SWC Founder and Dean.

“This is why the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s letter of protest to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is so urgent.”

Hier wrote, “I am well aware that Turkey, one of the co-chairman of the Forum is in opposition to an Israeli presence, but with all due respect to Turkey or any other country, the Forum was created by the United States and Israel is amongst the United States’ most reliable and trusted allies.” 

Rabbi Hier also added, “…having a Global Counterterrorism Forum and not including Israel, is like having a global technology conference and excluding the United States of America. There is no one with more experience at combatting terrorism or educating civilians about it, than the State of Israel. I think the time has come for the United States to make it very clear why Israel continues to be excluded.”

Additionally, just last month, Senators Joseph Lieberman and Mark Kirk also wrote to Secretary Clinton expressing their surprise and disappointment of “the absence of our ally, Israel, from the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), which you attended in Istanbul last week…. As you know, there are few countries in the world that have suffered more from terrorism than Israel, and few governments that have more experience combatting this threat… We look forward to hearing from you about whether the Administration shares our views that Israel rightfully belongs as a full participant in the GCTF, and what, if any, steps you are prepared to take to right this wrongful omission."

Photo courtesy of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. 

White House Briefs

Critics Call NAACP Booing 'Calculated Move' by Romney

Sources:BloombergCNNABCMSNBCSlateFox 

By John O'Connor
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

UK Struggles With Last-Minute Olympics Security

Thousands of soldiers - some recently returned from Afghanistan - are to be called in to help with security for the Olympic Games. That's because of fears that the private company responsible has not trained enough staff. And with the opening ceremony just weeks away, continuing problems with London's road network are adding to concerns about the games. Paul Brennan reports.

US Warns China of 'Conflict' if it Doesn't Agree to Maritime Code

US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has warned of more conflict in the South China Sea if China doesn't agree to a maritime code of conduct. Clinton was speaking in Cambodia, at the Asia Pacific's leading security forum. Territorial claims in the South China Sea have dominated the agenda. But as Al Jazeera's Steve Chao reports, the talks ended with little meaningful agreement.

Fallen Firefighter Memorial to Include Volunteers Killed in the Line of Duty

New Legislation Takes Effect Immediately

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation to ensure that any firefighter who is killed while performing services in the line of duty has their name included on the Fallen Firefighter Memorial.

The new law ensures that the both volunteer and professional firefighters who lost their lives while protecting others are subject to the same criteria for inclusion on the Memorial.

"The Fallen Firefighters Memorial honors the lives of our state's bravest men and women who died while protecting others," Governor Cuomo said.

"Every firefighter who has paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their community deserves to be recognized for their courage and heroic service. This new law will ensure that New York State properly recognizes the extraordinary sacrifice of all firefighters who died while putting their lives on the line and that their memory is preserved forever. I commend Majority Leader Skelos, Speaker Silver, and Assembly Member Weisenberg for their hard work on this important legislation."

Under previous law, only firefighters who were killed as a direct and proximate result of a line of duty injury had their names included on the wall.

In 2006, a 42-year-old firefighter named Paul Brady was killed as a result of injuries sustained from falling off a fire engine that was accidentally moved. Brady's name was not approved for the Memorial as he did not die while fighting fires.

The new law signed today by Governor Cuomo expands the criteria for inclusion on the wall to ensure that fallen firefighters like Brady are included in the Memorial and recognized for their bravery and sacrifice. The law takes effect immediately. 

The New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial is located on the Empire State Plaza, adjacent to The Egg.

The wall bearing the names of the fallen was dedicated in 1999, and includes more than 2,300 names with the earliest dating from a death in 1811.

Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos stated, "Our firefighters put their lives on the line each and every time they respond to a distress call. They all deserve our respect, and those that give their lives in the service of others while in the line of duty deserve to be included in a lasting memorial such as the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Paul Brady was a hero and I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important bill."

"I am greatly appreciative to Governor Cuomo and his counsels, who provided valuable assistance in ensuring these firefighters are recognized for their sacrifice," added Assembly Member Harvey Weisenberg. 

Image courtesy of http://www.gifs-paradise.com.