Assembly Resolution No. 571

BY: M. of A. Gunther

CELEBRATING the life and legacy of William R.
Price, the first African American Fire Chief in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State
of New York, is moved this day to pay tribute to an eminent man of
indomitable faith and dedication whose public service and countless
accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for
others; and

WHEREAS, Today, the seventeenth of February 2022, we are pausing to
commemorate the life and accomplishments of William R. Price; and

WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as William "Bill" R. Price who upheld the
values of community life and who, through their great actions,
epitomized the best of humanity; and

WHEREAS, William R. Price distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, A true trailblazer, William R. Price was elected Fire Chief
of the Silver Lake Fire Department of Wallkill, New York in 1973, during
which time he broke racial barriers by becoming the first African
American Fire Chief in New York State and the fourth in the United
States; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of William R. Price, racial
disparities within the Silver Lake Fire Department seemed to disappear;
he carried himself with quiet confidence and determined veracity, never
allowing race to stop him from working towards the goals of his beloved
department; and

WHEREAS, William R. Price began his illustrious career with the
Silver Lake Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter, quickly climbing
the ranks to become Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant and Chief; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, as grievance coordinator at Otisville
Correctional Facility, William R. Price was prominent in orchestrating
the New York State Burn Center in Albany, New York, and he was
specifically sought out to serve on the Orange County Housing Advisory
Committee to assist mid and lower income families secure better housing;
and

WHEREAS, In addition to his steadfast and unwavering dedication to
the Silver Lake Fire Department, William R. Price proudly served his
country in World War II; and

WHEREAS, William R. Price exemplified leadership and integrity
through his actions; his demeanor was gentle, his spirit was kind, and
his care for others was apparent in the time and dedication he gave to
bettering his community and those around him; and


WHEREAS, In recognition of this extraordinary man, the William R.
Price Scholarship Foundation was founded in 2022 to assist students
within the Town of Wallkill School District, who possess exceptional
character and a desire to advance through higher education; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which William R. Price displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, William R. Price's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, William R. Price leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and legacy of William R. Price, first African
American Fire Chief in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of William R. Price.