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Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Naming Princeton’s High-Water Rescue Truck in Honor of the Late Michael Kenwood
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WHEREAS, Princeton is the owner of a high-water rescue truck; and
WHEREAS, although municipally-owned, the high-water rescue truck is intended by use by all of Princeton’s first responders, including the Princeton Fire Department (PFD) and the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad (PFARS); and
WHEREAS, the members of PFARS and PFD have trained significantly on how and when to use this vehicle; and
WHEREAS, one of the primary reasons for acquiring the vehicle was to make water rescues safer for the rescuers; and
WHEREAS, PFARS has requested permission to name the high-water rescue truck in honor of the late PFARS member Michael Kenwood, who tragically passed away while attempting to make a swift water rescue on Rosedale Road during Hurricane Irene; and
WHEREAS, Michael Kenwood was 39 years old when he died in the line of duty on August 28, 2011, leaving behind a wife and young daughter; and
WHEREAS, Michael Kenwood’s funeral on August 31, 2011 drew more than 100 police, fire, and EMS personnel from across the state, along with New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno and then-Mayor Chad Goerner; and
WHEREAS, in the words of his eulogist, Michael Kenwood is remembered for being a hero "not for how he lost his life, but for how he lived it”; and
WHEREAS, Michael Kingwood's death led to meaningful changes in water rescue protocols and highlighted the risks volunteer first responders take without compensation, recognition, or the institutional support given to career departments; and
WHEREAS, the President of PFARS has stated that the legacy of Michael Kenwood is among the first things every new member of the squad learns and is expected to embody, and is a reminder to everyone of why they show up every day; and
WHEREAS, Michael Kenwood’s service to the Princeton community was extraordinary by any measure; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council find that naming the high-water rescue truck in Michael Kenwood’s honor is an appropriate and fitting tribute to his legacy, not only because of the nature of his death, but because the truck represents the type of response Michael Kenwood gave his life performing;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of Princeton, County of Mercer, State of New Jersey that Princeton’s high-water rescue truck shall henceforth be known as the Michael Kenwood high-water rescue truck; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this this resolution shall take effect immediately.