LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Outgoing Chief John Burke upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after many years of
dedicated service to the Liberty 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Outgoing Chief John Burke upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after many years of dedicated service to the Liberty
Fire Department; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Satur-
day, May 1, 2010, at a testimonial dinner to be held in his honor at The
Club at Villa Roma in Liberty, New York; and
WHEREAS, A native of Liberty, New York, and a 1978 graduate of Liberty
High School, Outgoing Chief John Burke joined the Liberty Fire Depart-
ment and Ontario Hose Company No. 3 in February 1979; and
WHEREAS, Achieving the rank of Captain of Ontario Hose Company No. 3,
John Burke was the first Captain to serve for six years; he then
advanced to the 2nd Assistant Chief position in the Department, and then
to 1st Assistant Chief before being promoted to Chief of the Liberty
Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Residing in Liberty, New York, with his wife, Debbie, Outgo-
ing Chief John Burke always had the good of the Liberty Fire Department
and the safety of his fellow firefighters foremost on his mind; 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; Outgo-
ing Chief John Burke 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 Outgoing Chief John Burke upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after many years of dedicated service to the
Liberty Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Outgoing Chief John Burke, 38 Balsam Drive, Liberty, New York
12754.