LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter James Harold Dawson upon
the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years
of dedicated service to Suffern Hook and Ladder Company No. 1

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 James
Harold Dawson upon the occasion of his designation for special recogni-
tion after 50 years of dedicated service to Suffern Hook and Ladder
Company No. 1; and
WHEREAS, On March 3, 1959, James Harold Dawson joined Suffern Hook and
Ladder Company No. 1 and has held many positions on the company level as
well as in the Department over the years; and
WHEREAS, James Harold Dawson was a line officer of Suffern Hook and
Ladder Company No. 1 for seven years, serving as First and Second Lieu-
tenant for two years each and Captain for three years; and
WHEREAS, In 1979, James Harold Dawson became Battalion Chief, where he
served for the next two years; he then served as Deputy Chief from 1981
until 1983 and Department Chief from 1983 until 1985; and
WHEREAS, In addition, James Harold Dawson served as a Department Trus-
tee and Company Secretary; he remains active in the Department and
Company and is currently a chauffeur and Safety Officer; 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; and
WHEREAS, James Harold Dawson is such a firefighter; throughout 50
years of devoted service, this volunteer 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 Firefighter James Harold Dawson for 50 years of distinguished
service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James Harold Dawson.