LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Joseph Devito, Sr. upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition as recipient of the St.
Lawrence County Firefighter of the Year Award

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Joseph Devito, Sr. upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition as recipient of the St. Lawrence County Firefighter of the
Year Award; this auspicious occasion was celebrated on Thursday, Febru-
ary 12, 2009, at the St. Lawrence County Fire Chiefs' bi-monthly meeting
hosted by the Lawrenceville Volunteer Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Joseph Devito, Sr. has served the Russell Volun-
teer Fire Department for 32 years, including 30 years on its Board of
Directors; his tenure in the Department includes stints as Assistant
Chief and Safety Officer; and
WHEREAS, The first member of the Russell Volunteer Fire Department to
win the St. Lawrence County Firefighter of the Year Award, Joseph Devi-
to, Sr. has been at the forefront of the efforts of the Department to
obtain and distribute "shaking bed smoke detectors" which are essential
for the safety of families with hearing impaired children or other fami-
ly members; and
WHEREAS, Families with hearing impaired members served by the
Lawrenceville Volunteer Fire Department can now sleep comfortably at
night knowing that those who may not be able to hear an ordinary smoke
alarm will be likely to make it out of their homes safely in the event
of a fire; and
WHEREAS, Now retired from the Lawrenceville Volunteer Fire Department,
Joseph Devito, Sr. continues to serve the Department with distinction as
the "firehouse gremlin," its primary response person, and as a safety
and training advisor to younger firefighters; 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; Joseph
Devito, Sr. is such a firefighter; throughout his many 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 Joseph Devito, Sr. upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition as recipient of the St. Lawrence County Firefighter
of the Year Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joseph Devito, Sr.