LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Orange County Volunteer Firemen's
Association upon the occasion of celebrating its 94th Annual Convention
being held from September 21-26, 2009

WHEREAS, Since the early days of "teapot steamers," the volunteer fire-
fighter has been the cornerstone of our great Nation's efforts to spare
us from the ravages of fire; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend
the Orange County Volunteer Firemen's Association upon the occasion of
celebrating its 94th Annual Convention being held from September 21-26,
2009; and
WHEREAS, Events at this year's Convention include a Flag Raising Cere-
mony, Convention Meeting with the election of Officers for 2009-2010 and
the awarding of the Firefighter of the Year; the week will culminate
with a Parade on September 26, 2009; and
WHEREAS, In addition, there will be a memorial service where the
Orange County Volunteer Firemen's Association will remember and honor:
John V. Lewis, Highland Falls Fire Department; Timothy H. Rich, Harri-
man Engine Company; Louis Merolla, Trout Brook Engine; Frank Smedley,
New Windsor Fire Department; Edward Piatt, Jr., Walton Engine; Steve
Vitek, Cronomer Valley Fire Department; Frank Vogel, Storm King Engine;
and Douglas Glass, Walden Fire Department; 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, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude to
those devoted individuals who recognize that the preservation of life
and property is a sacred responsibility and who make that responsibility
their own by serving as firefighters; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that we should give
special recognition to those who work so assiduously for the betterment
of their communities, and acknowledge publicly the heroic good works
performed by the volunteer fire departments of this great Empire State,
their officers and auxiliaries; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Orange County Volunteer Firemen's Association upon the occa-
sion of celebrating its 94th Annual Convention being held from September
21-26, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Orange County Volunteer Firemen's Association.