WHEREAS, The Town of Southampton is proud to acknowledge the commendable achievements of those individuals who serve unselfishly and with honor, patriotism and devotion to make our community a better and safer place to live, and secure the blessings of liberty we enjoy as Americans; and

WHEREAS, Battalion Chief Lawrence M. Byrnes of Hampton Bays enjoyed a long and noteworthy career, both as a member of the United States Navy for 44 years, and as a New York City firefighter for 42 years, achieving the rank of Chief. After being stationed in Brooklyn early in his career, he transferred to Battalion 1 in Manhattan – the station for the World Trade Center; and

WHEREAS, even though he had been retired as a firefighter, Larry Byrnes raced downtown on that fateful day in September of 2001 to do what he could to help his comrades and those in need, exhibiting extraordinary courage and heroism in the face of terror. He worked for months in the pit, providing key information and guidance to government agencies because he had a deep knowledge of and experience with the towers; and 

WHEREAS, Larry Byrnes was a lifelong resident of Hampton Bays, living in the home he built himself on 11 Columbine Avenue North with his wife and children. Larry, with his thoughtful devotion to his community, family, friends, church and colleagues, possessed a passion for protecting and nurturing his community which has left an imprint that will long be remembered, appreciated and emulated; and

WHEREAS, Larry Byrnes succumbed to 9/11-related cancer on June 14, 2015; and now, therefore be it 

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Southampton, in special recognition and grateful appreciation for his service to country and community,  hereby declares that Columbine Avenue North, in the hamlet of Hampton Bays, be also given the honorary designation of “FDNY BC Larry Byrnes Way” as a memorial tribute to this cherished citizen of the Town of Southampton.