No. 195
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
221st LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED SEPTEMBER 23, 2024
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman BRIAN E. RUMPF
District 9 (Ocean)
Assemblyman GREGORY E. MYHRE
District 9 (Ocean)
SYNOPSIS
Designates August 30 of each year as Keith Pinto Day in NJ.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating August 30 of each year as Keith Pinto Day in New Jersey.
Whereas, Keith Pinto was a lifelong resident of Toms River, New Jersey where he graduated from Toms River High School North in 2020, and was preparing to enter his sophomore year at Ocean County Community College with plans to enlist in the United States Marines thereafter; and
Whereas, As an active member of the Toms River community who was passionate about helping others, Keith dedicated his summers to working as a lifeguard in the South Seaside Park section of Berkeley Township, New Jersey; and
Whereas, On August 30, 2021, Keiths life was tragically cut short at the young age of 19 when he was fatally struck by lightning during his lifeguarding shift; and
Whereas, On September 1, 2021, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 258, directing the flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities on September 3, 2021, in recognition and mourning of Keiths passing; and
Whereas, Keith left an indelible mark on his community and is remembered as a hero who served, protected, and developed special connections with families visiting the Jersey Shore; and
Whereas, In addition to his service, Keith was widely regarded for his infectious personality, and those close to Keith described him as a good soul who lit up every room and put smiles on the faces of everyone around him; and
Whereas, To honor Keiths life, Berkeley Township, New Jersey renamed the beach where he served as a lifeguard to Keith Pinto Memorial Beach and the street where that beach is located to Keith Pinto Way; and
Whereas, It is fitting and proper to commemorate Keiths life, his service to his community, and the joy he brought to others by designating August 30 of each year as Keith Pinto Day in New Jersey; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. August 30 of each year is designated as Keith Pinto Day in New Jersey.
2. The Governor is requested to issue a proclamation annually to recognize August 30 of each year as Keith Pinto Day and call upon relevant State agencies, organizations, and citizens of the State to observe the day with appropriate commemorative activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates August 30 of each year as Keith Pinto Day in NJ.
Keith Pinto was a lifelong resident of Toms River, NJ who dedicated several summers to serving as a lifeguard in the South Seaside Park section of Berkeley Township, NJ. At the young age of 19, Keiths life was tragically cut short by a lightning storm during his lifeguarding shift on August 30, 2021.
Keith is remembered as a hero who served, protected, and developed special connections with families visiting the Jersey Shore. In addition to his service, Keith was widely regarded for his infectious personality, and those close to Keith described him as a good soul who lit up every room and put smiles on the faces of everyone around him.
It is fitting and proper to designate August 30 of each year as Keith Pinto Day in memory of Keiths life, his service to his community, and the joy he brought to others. The Governor is requested to issue a proclamation annually to recognize August 30 of each year as Keith Pinto Day and call upon relevant State agencies, organizations, and citizens of the State to observe the day with appropriate commemorative activities and programs.