LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Harold R. Poole upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 70 years of
dedicated service to Protection Engine Company No. 1, Port Washington
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 Harold R. Poole upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 70 years of dedicated service to Protection
Engine Company No. 1, Port Washington Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, The members of Protection Engine Company will recognize Fire-
fighter Harold "Porky" Poole at a special ceremony to be held on Satur-
day, March 20, 2010, at the North Hempstead Country Club, Port Washing-
ton, New York; and
WHEREAS, Having been elected to membership in September of 1940, Fire-
fighter Poole is the first seventy year member of Protection Engine
Company No. 1; and
WHEREAS, Six months after joining the department, Firefighter Poole
became a proud member of the United States Navy; during World War II, he
found himself primarily stationed in the Mediterranean as a Boatswain
Mate on an LST (landing craft); he was involved with the major landings
at Corsica, Anzio, Elbe and South France; and
WHEREAS, Upon his arrival home, Firefighter Poole was elected 2nd
Assistant Foreman for 1947, then 1st Assistant Foreman for 1948, and
Foreman for 1949, and 1950; this was the most meteoric rise in
Protection Engine Company No. 1's history; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Poole did not limit himself to firematics; he was
an integral part of the Rangers Drill Team where he performed on the
nozzle, hydrant, buckets and as a footer in ladder events; he was a
member of the 1946 Nassau County Championship team; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Firefighter Poole was a member of Protection's
softball team, being a stalwart in the outfield in both the town and 8th
Battalion softball leagues; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Poole also served the Company as a member of the
75th and 100th Anniversary, Entertainment and Grave Committees, as well
as being one of the founders of the Blood Bank Drive; he has been a
member of the Board of Directors of the Port Washington Fire Department;
a Nassau County and New York State delegate; a member of the "Old" Bug
House Hose Company; and had religiously attended the Clearing House
Legislative Conference; moreover, he has been a member of the Port Wash-
ington Benevolent Exempt Association for over sixty-five years; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Poole's allegiance to Protection Engine Company
No. 1 is evident by the fact that scarcely a day goes by without him
making his morning and afternoon visits to the fire house and sharing
friendship with members; his sound advice and wisdom continue to be
sought as an indication of his dedication and devotion to the Company
and its members; 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; Fire-
fighter Poole is such a firefighter; throughout 70 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 Harold R. Poole upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 70 years of dedicated service to
Protection Engine Company No. 1, Port Washington Fire Department; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Harold R. Poole.