LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Raymond Fleming upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 45 years of
dedicated service to the Amityville Fire Department on April 11, 2009

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery
every day in the course of their duties; 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 their selfless dedication merit tribute
and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Firefighter Raymond Fleming upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 45 years of dedicated service to the Amity-
ville Fire Department to be celebrated on Saturday, April 11, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Raymond Fleming proudly joined the Amityville
Fire Department on May 19, 1964; since that time he has been called upon
to contribute his time and talents to countless endeavors on behalf of
the department and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State are renowned throughout
the Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the ardu-
ous 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, 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; Raymond
Fleming is such a firefighter; throughout 45 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 Raymond Fleming upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 45 years of dedicated service to the
Amityville Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Raymond Fleming.