LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael J. Cafaldo, Sr. upon the occa-
sion of receiving the Judge Roscoe V. Elsworth Community Service Award
from the Town of Esopus Library on November 12, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and
its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Michael J. Cafaldo, Sr. upon the occasion of receiving the Judge Roscoe
V. Elsworth Community Service Award from the Town of Esopus Library at
its 2009 Community Awards Dinner to be held at the La Mirage Restaurant
on Thursday, November 12, 2009; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Michael J. Cafaldo, Sr. has
continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence
and diligent leadership in his unwavering service to his community and
consequently has been designated for this most prestigious honor; and
WHEREAS, Born in Kingston, New York, on March 12, 1952, Michael J.
Cafaldo, Sr. was raised in Glasco, New York, and is a 1971 graduate of
Saugerties High School; and
WHEREAS, From 1971 until 1977, Michael J. Cafaldo, Sr. served in the
United States Air Force; upon completion of his service, in 1978, he
began a long and distinguished career with Ulster County Highways and
Bridges, retiring in July 2009; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his lifetime, Michael J. Cafaldo, Sr. has been
called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic and
charitable endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Cafaldo, Sr. has served as a volunteer firefighter
since he was 18 years old; when he and his family moved to Esopus, New
York, in 1978, he immediately became a member of the Esopus Fire Depart-
ment; since his induction, he has held the offices of Lieutenant,
Captain, Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief; after 18 years as Fire
Chief, he retired in April of 2009 and now holds the office of Esopus
Fire District Commissioner; and
WHEREAS, During his years as a volunteer at the Esopus Fire Depart-
ment, Michael J. Cafaldo, Sr. was involved in many fundraising activ-
ities; he participated in the various children's camps held at Marist
Brothers in West Park, which include children who have cancer, HIV and
hearing impairments; he also worked countless hours during the building
of the new Esopus Fire House, of which he was also the Building Chair-
man; today, he continues to be active in the department as a volunteer;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Michael J. Cafaldo, Sr. has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Darlene, their chil-
dren, Michael and Sandra, Bryan and Shelley, and Andrew, as well as
their grandchildren, Kayla, Kyle and Mason, all of whom feel privileged
to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Cafaldo, Sr. is an exemplary role model whose sons
have proudly followed in the footsteps of their father as volunteers for
the Esopus Fire Department; Michael Jr. is now the new Fire Chief, while
Bryan is the Assistant Fire Chief; additionally, Andrew is President of
the Department and is active in TEVAS as an officer; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Michael J. Cafaldo, Sr. has
displayed throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael J. Cafaldo, Sr. upon the occasion of receiving the Judge
Roscoe V. Elsworth Community Service Award from the Town of Esopus
Library on November 12, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael J. Cafaldo, Sr.