LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Gerald Goldsworth upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 70 years of
dedicated service to the Hopkinton-Fort Jackson Volunteer Fire Depart-
ment

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, 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, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Firefighter Gerald
Goldsworth upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 70 years of dedicated service to the Hopkinton-Fort Jackson Volun-
teer Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Raised in Sayville, New York, Firefighter Gerald Goldsworth
became a juvenile member of the fire department at the age of eight;
today, at the age of 84, he is the oldest active member of the Hopkin-
ton-Fort Jackson Volunteer Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Gerald Goldsworth became an official member of
the department when he was 16; in 1969, he moved to Hopkinton, New York,
where he has been an active member ever since; and
WHEREAS, For seven decades, Firefighter Gerald Goldsworth has been
donning his gear at all times of day and heading off to fight brush
fires, grass fires, as well as house fires; he has also offered his
assistance at accident scenes; and
WHEREAS, One of the department's most active members, Firefighter
Gerald Goldsworth is always one of the first to arrive at the station
and is known to keep his turnout gear in the trunk of his car in order
to be ready for duty at any time of day; 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; Gerald
Goldsworth is such a firefighter; throughout 70 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 Gerald Goldsworth for 70 years of dedicated service
to the Hopkinton-Fort Jackson Volunteer Fire Department; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Gerald Goldsworth.