LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Outgoing Chief Kurt Martin upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after many years of
dedicated service to the Halesite 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 Kurt Martin upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after many years of dedicated service to the Hales-
ite Fire Department; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on
Saturday, May 15, 2010, at the Department's 50th Anniversary Dinner, to
be held at The Fox Hollow Inn in Woodbury, New York; and
WHEREAS, Joining the Halesite Fire Department in 1973, Kurt Martin
rose through the ranks of the Hook and Ladder Company and achieved the
rank of 1st Assistant Chief prior to moving away in the 1980s; during
this time, he was involved in virtually every aspect of the Department,
participating on the drill team, softball team and serving as Secretary
of the Hook and Ladder Company; and
WHEREAS, Upon his return to Halesite, Kurt Martin again became active-
ly involved in the Fire Department; he became Chairman of Halesite's
100th Anniversary Committee, joined the Fox Committee and became
involved in driver training; and
WHEREAS, Kurt Martin became Chief of the Halesite Fire Department in
2006; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure as Chief, Kurt Martin championed many posi-
tive changes in the Halesite Fire Department, including changing the
By-Laws allowing for three consecutive terms for chief officers,
contracting with Centerport Fire Department to provide advanced life
support services in Halesite, adding an "able" car to rescue operations
during nighttime alarms and the delivery of a new ladder truck; and
WHEREAS, Kurt Martin is currently a Commissioner in the Centerport
Fire District and a member of Halesite's Board of Trustees; he has
re-joined the driver training committee; 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 Kurt Martin 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 Kurt Martin upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after many years of dedicated service to the
Halesite Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Outgoing Chief Kurt Martin.