LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks upon
the occasion of being named Grand Marshal of the 2013 Utica St.
Patrick's Day Parade, to be held on March 9, 2013

WHEREAS, Saint Patrick's Day is a time for people of all nationalities
and generations to assemble and celebrate the rich culture and heritage
of the Irish people throughout these United States; and
WHEREAS, A Saint Patrick's Day parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and highlights the many
contributions and historical accomplishments of the Irish community in
this diverse land; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Utica Fire
Chief Russell Brooks upon the occasion of being named Grand Marshal of
the 2013 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade to be held on March 9, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Fire Chief Russell Brooks was selected as this year's Grand
Marshal at the Annual Halfway to the Great American Irish Festival
Hooley at Hart's Inn in Whitesboro, New York on Sunday, January 27,
2013; and
WHEREAS, A 37 year member of the Utica Fire Department, Chief Russell
Brooks was chosen for this most auspicious honor in recognition of his
many years of community service including his efforts at Ground Zero
after 9/11, and numerous life-saving rescues; and
WHEREAS, Of proud Irish descent, both of Chief Russell Brooks' grand-
parents were from Ireland; and
WHEREAS, St. Patrick's Day is not, as many believe, a celebration of
the Patron Saint of Ireland's birth but of his death; and
WHEREAS, The St. Patrick's Day Parade celebrates the spirit, purity
and strength of the Irish Culture and its fine traditions; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks upon the occasion of being named
Grand Marshal of the 2013 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade, to be held on
March 9, 2013; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks.