LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Brian Bates upon the occa-
sion of his designation by the Roosevelt Fire District, Roosevelt, New
York, as its Firefighter of the Year

WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State are renowned throughout the
Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the arduous
field of fire protection and prevention; and
WHEREAS, Since the early days of "teapot steamers," the volunteer
firefighter has been the cornerstone of our great Nation's efforts to
spare us from the ravages of fire; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Firefighter Brian
Bates upon the occasion of his designation by the Roosevelt Fire
District, Roosevelt, New York, as its Firefighter of the Year; and
WHEREAS, He will be honored at the District's 97th Annual Installation
Dinner, to be held at the Chateau Briand in Carle Place on Saturday,
April 4, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and the
strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic
magnitude; their sacrifices and selfless dedication merit tribute and
recognition by all citizens of their community, their State, and their
nation; and
WHEREAS, Volunteer firefighters and fire departments not only provide
the critical service of fire protection but also engage in other activ-
ities of great benefit and importance to the communities they serve; and
WHEREAS, It takes a special dedication, a strong desire to help others
and a tireless sense of community to forsake precious time with family
and friends to respond to the signal that a neighbor is in need; Brian
Bates is such a firefighter; throughout many years of devoted service,
this volunteer has heroically performed, above and beyond the call of
duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Brian Bates upon the occasion of his designation by the Roose-
velt Fire District as its Firefighter of the Year; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Brian Bates.