STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

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Whereas, the malicious act of intentionally setting fire to buildings and property, known as arson, is one of the Nation’s most devastating crimes in terms of financial and personal loss, and it is also one of the largest, deadliest, and most expensive fire problems in the Empire State;  and

Whereas, the entire community is affected when arson is committed, as these deliberate fires result in the loss of lives, untold physical and emotional suffering caused by painful injuries, and the destruction of property;  society as a whole further bears the burden in higher insurance premiums, degraded communities, a diminished local government tax base and the unsurpassed terror that shadows this crime;  and

Whereas, this year’s observance of Arson Awareness Week focuses on the specific problem of arson when it is used as a tool for financial gain, with the theme being “Arson for Profit – Cashing in with Fire”;  and

Whereas, Arson for Profit involves those fires set for material or monetary gain such as insurance fraud, eliminating or intimidating business competition, extortion, removing unwanted structures to increase property values, or escaping from financial obligation, and is one of the most heinous examples of human behavior motivated by greed, selfishness and the lack of regard for life or property;  and

Whereas, removing the threat of arson from homes and businesses is a top priority of New York State fire and law enforcement investigation agencies, the insurance industry and other organizations, and we applaud all who work toward the goal of eliminating arson by increasing public awareness of this problem, by sponsoring training programs for fire safety personnel who specialize in the area of arson, and by sharing their expertise in conducting investigations of arson crimes;  and

Whereas, New York supports local, state and national efforts to curtail the incidence of arson and joins in this observance and important fire prevention campaign, honoring those who work in fire prevention or fire and law enforcement investigation agencies, either in a volunteer or career capacity, to mitigate the incidence of intentionally-set fires and we thank them for their daily efforts to protect and preserve our families and communities;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim May 3-9, 2009 as

Arson Awareness Week

in the Empire State.

G i v e n      under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twentieth  day of April in the year two thousand nine.

 

David A. Paterson
Governor

Lawrence Schwartz
Secretary to the Governor