LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter John Hawkins upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of
dedicated service to the West Walworth Volunteer Fire Department

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery
every day in the course of their duties; 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Firefighter John Hawkins upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the West
Walworth Volunteer Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, John "Jack" Hawkins will be recognized by the West Walworth
Volunteer Fire Department at a banquet to be held in his honor on Satur-
day, January 23, 2010; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, John Hawkins has continually
demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent
leadership in his unwavering service to his community and the West
Walworth Volunteer Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, John Hawkins has served the West Walworth Volunteer Fire
Department in numerous capacities throughout the years; he has been 3rd
Assistant Chief, 2nd Assistant Chief, lst Assistant Chief, Chief,
Captain E-38, and Captain TA-9, as well as a Sergeant at Arms and a
member of the Board of Directors; he was involved in these positions for
a total of 39 years and continues to serve on the Board today; 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, 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; John
Hawkins 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 John Hawkins upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the West
Walworth Volunteer Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter John Hawkins.