New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer

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Proclamation

Whereas, the malicious act of 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, from an economic standpoint, these intentionally set fires cause more than $8.3 billion in property damage, and citizens are impacted by the results of increased insurance premiums and a diminished local government tax base; and

Whereas, this year's observance of Arson Awareness Week focuses on the specific problem of vehicle arson - the second leading cause of vehicle fires - with statistics indicating that nearly 20 percent of all arsons occur in vehicles; and

Whereas, data for 2004 shows there were an estimated 36,000 intentionally-set vehicle fires, reflecting an 18 percent increase from the previous year - yet, arson has one of the lowest successful prosecution rates of any major crime, whereby the national rate for arson prosecutions in 2004 was 17.1 percent and the vehicle arson prosecution rates were even lower at 7.4 percent; and

Whereas, the costs of vehicle arson to the entire American population is tremendous, not only in terms of the financial and property losses, but in terms of human lives lost; and

Whereas, removing the threat of arson from our communities is a priority of New York State fire and law enforcement agencies, the insurance industry and other organizations, and fire and law enforcement agencies are applauded for their expertise in conducting investigations of arson crimes and their efforts to prevent such crimes in the future; and

Whereas, New York supports local, state and national efforts to curtail the incidence of arson and offers fitting tribute to all involved in this important fire prevention campaign; those who work steadfastly to deter further incidents of intentionally-set fires are likewise commended for their daily efforts to protect and preserve our families and communities;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim May 6-12, 2007 as Arson Awareness Week in the Empire State.

Given under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this second day of May in the year two thousand seven.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

Richard Baum, Secretary to the Governor