LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter John Montrose upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of
dedicated service to the New York Mills 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 Montrose upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the New York
Mills Fire Department to be celebrated at a banquet on Saturday, January
30, 2010, at Twin Ponds; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his entire time of service, Firefighter John Mont-
rose has continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary
intelligence and diligent leadership in his unwavering service to the
New York Mills Fire Department and the entire community; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter John Montrose joined the New York Mills Fire
Department in 1950; in 1983, he was elected to President, a position he
held for 10 years until he stepped down in order to become involved in
higher levels of fire service; and
WHEREAS, Under the esteemed leadership of John Montrose, the New York
Mills Fire Department obtained two new rescue trucks as well as a new
firehouse; and
WHEREAS, In 1993, Firefighter John Montrose was elected to the New
York Mills Fire Department's Board of Trustees, a capacity in which he
continues to serve; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Firefighter John Montrose has served on numerous
committees and boards throughout his career including 30 plus years as a
member of the Oneida County Volunteer Firemen's Association, 40 years as
a member of the Central New York Firemen's Association, and 38 years as
a member of the Firemen's Association of the State of New York; he was
also the Village of New York Mills' Fire Department and Building Code
Inspector for 10 years; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Firefighter John Montrose was also recently
elected to a two-year term as President of the Board of Trustees of the
Firemen's Home for retired volunteer firefighters in Hudson, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Firefighter John Montrose's compassion and dedication to the
residents of New York Mills does not stop with the Fire Department; he
presently serves on the Village Planning Board as well as its Board of
Trustees and is also a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals in the Town
of Hartford; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter John Montrose was honored by the Town of New
Hartford with the Iron Man Award for inspiration, community involvement
and dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, Professionally, John Montrose had a 37-year-career as a
Niagara Mohawk power company equipment operator and supervisor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Elaine, and their
three children, Christopher, Candace and Jacqueline, as well as their
seven grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; 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
Montrose 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 Montrose upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the New
York Mills Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter John Montrose.