LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Paul Paige upon the occa-
sion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedi-
cated service to the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department

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, 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, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Firefighter Paul
Paige upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after
50 years of dedicated service to the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department
to be celebrated on Saturday, January 30, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department was founded in 1917 in
response to a fire that destroyed much of the business district; since
that time, Firefighter Paul Paige is only the 14th member to earn a 50
year service ring from the organization; and
WHEREAS, Paul Paige joined the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department in
1959, following in the footsteps of his three uncles; he has held numer-
ous positions including Chief, 1979-1981; Fire Commissioner, 14 years;
Trustee, 30 years; and Auctioneer, 37 years; and
WHEREAS, In 1994, Firefighter Paul Paige was the recipient of the
esteemed Fireman of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, Today, Firefighter Paul Paige remains active and is a routine
fixture at daytime calls, a time when many of the other members are not
available due to work commitments; 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; Paul
Paige is such a firefighter; throughout 50 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 Paul Paige for 50 years of distinguished service;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Paul Paige.