WHEREAS, first responders include professional and volunteer fire, police, emergency medical technician, and paramedic workers in the United States; and
WHEREAS, first responders deserve to be recognized for their commitment to safety, defense, and honor; and
WHEREAS, according to the Department of Homeland Security, an estimated 4.6 million career and volunteer firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians, and paramedic workers serve communities all across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Congress made October 28th National First Responders Day in 2017, though the first bipartisan resolution passed through the senate in 2019; and
WHEREAS, we should be thanking our firefighters, paramedics and EMTs every day but October 28
th
offers a unique opportunity to show our appreciation; and
WHEREAS, many first responders lost their lives as a result of the pandemic, EMT’s and paramedics were often first on the scene and exposed to unique situations that increase their likelihood of contraction; and
WHEREAS, outside of the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters caused destruction across the U.S., requiring firefighters and other first responders to show up in unprecedented force; and
WHEREAS, these heroic men and women are the first ones on the scene of natural disasters, tragedies and accidents, thereby devoting their lives to making the world a better and safer place; and
WHEREAS, during times of national crisis, first responders have consistently been a source of aid, hope, and comfort for all Americans; and
WHEREAS, our first responders save countless lives every day, and many tragically pay the ultimate price in the line of duty — a sacrifice we should never forget; and
WHEREAS, National First Responders Day is our opportunity to show gratitude and to recognize the professionals who play an important role in ensuring the safety of every American.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 151
st
General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the Legislature affirms the importance of first responders, and hereby designates Friday, October 28, 2022, as “National First Responders Day” in the State of Delaware.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature shows gratitude and recognizes the professionals’ known as first responders who play an important role in ensuring the safety of every American.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature shows it gratitude to first responders because they have consistently been a source of aid, hope, and comfort for all Americans during crisis.
