State of New Jersey
Executive Order #71

Governor Jon S. Corzine

WHEREAS, the deaths of nine firefighters in Charleston, South Carolina, tragically mark the single largest loss of firefighters' lives in the United States since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center; and

WHEREAS, the deaths of these nine brave men remind us of the deadly risks and unimaginable dangers that New Jersey firefighters and first responders confront on a daily basis; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey firefighters, both volunteer and professional, save the lives of New Jerseyeans, on a daily basis, while risking their own lives; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey has, sadly, experienced the loss of firefighters' lives in the line of duty in recent years; and

WHEREAS, only five years ago, three New Jersey firemen were tragically killed in a fire in Gloucester City while attempting to save the lives of three little girls; and

WHEREAS, the recent deaths in South Carolina are stark testament and a haunting reminder of the courage and commitment to duty that firefighters throughout New Jersey display on a daily basis in service to our families, neighbors, and friends;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JON S. CORZINE, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

  1. The people of New Jersey should be encouraged to observe a moment of silence at noon on Monday, June 25, 2007 in silent recognition of the lives and in mourning of the passing of the South Carolina firefighters and of all the New Jersey firefighters who have died in the line of duty while protecting the people of the State of New Jersey.

  2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 22nd day
of June, Two Thousand and Seven, and of the
Independence of the United States, the Two
Hundred and Thirty-First.

/s/Jon S. Corzine

Governor

Attest:

/s/Kenneth H. Zimmerman

Chief Counsel to the Governor