LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of First Assistant
Chief Richard J. Layton of the Freeport Fire Department

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; 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, 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, First Assistant Chief Richard Layton died after returning
from a call in Baldwin, just east of Freeport, New York, on Monday,
January 5, 2009; he was a member of "Ever Ready" Hose Company One; and
WHEREAS, A great asset to society, Chief Richard Layton is going to be
truly missed and will be a great loss to the Freeport Fire Department;
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; Chief
Richard Layton was such a firefighter; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his years of devoted service, Chief Richard Layton
heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those responsi-
bilities which define the task of fire protection; and
WHEREAS, Chief Richard Layton is survived by his loving and devoted
wife, Jaime; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of First Assistant Chief Richard J. Layton of
the Freeport Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of First Assistant Chief Richard J. Layton.