WHEREAS, Robert Neary was a veteran with over 37 years of service. He was appointed a firefighter in August 1974 and served at Engine 51, and Engine 34. In 1983, he was promoted to Lieutenant; and
WHEREAS, As Lieutenant, he served at Engine 12, Ladder 16, Engine 27, Engine 8, Engine 61, Ladder 34, Engine 53, Engine 52, Engine 28, and most recently Ladder 10; and
WHEREAS, Robert P. Neary served in the United States Army Reserve from 1972 to 1982 as a Sergeant 1st Class and was a Philadelphia Police Officer from 1971 to 1974; and
WHEREAS, His superiors and colleagues considered him to be a firefighter worthy of respect, admiration and emulation. He was awarded many commendations while serving the citizens of Philadelphia, saving the lives of victims in burning buildings; and
WHEREAS, Fire Lieutenant Neary rescued a pregnant woman from a second floor burning dwelling in 2000; he rescued two trapped civilians in a 2 ½ story building in 1996; he rescued numerous civilians from an 11 story apartment building in 1983, and rescued numerous civilians from a burning apartment building in 1981; and
WHEREAS, On Monday, April 9, 2012, at 3:13 a.m., a five-alarm blaze broke out at an abandoned factory near the intersection of Jasper and York Streets in East Kensington. The flames quickly spread to an adjacent discount furniture store at Kensington Avenue and Boston Street; and
WHEREAS, At approximately 5:50 a.m., as Ladder Company 10 fought to extinguish the flames inside, Lieutenant Neary and Firefighter Daniel Sweeney, sustained fatal injuries; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia firefighters are in the front lines of defense against a wide variety of disasters that threaten life and property; and
WHEREAS, Fire Lieutenant Robert P. Neary will be remembered for his great love of his work, and the pride he took in performing beyond the call of duty. He will be remembered for his generous nature. He will be remembered, always, as a hero; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby respectfully join the Philadelphia Fire Department, family and friends of Philadelphia Fire Lieutenant Robert P. Neary in mourning his death and honoring his memory. To his wife Diane, children Robert, Christopher, and Dianne, and mother Virginia, we extend our heartfelt sympathy and our prayers for your comfort.
RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Philadelphia Firefighter Lieutenant Robert P. Neary as evidence of the profound condolences of this legislative body.
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