LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring James Bracco for 50 years of dedicated
service as a volunteer firefighter in the State of New York

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 honor
James Bracco for 50 years of dedicated service as a volunteer firefight-
er in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1958, James Bracco continued a family tradition when he
became a volunteer firefighter with the Tallman Fire Department in Rock-
land County; his father was in the brigade, his uncle was chief of the
department and his grandfather was the fire chief in Pearl River; and
WHEREAS, During his 16 years with the Tallman Fire Department, James
Bracco rose through the ranks and served as Captain; he then moved to
Mount Tremper, where he served with the Phoenicia Fire Department for 22
years and was Captain and Fire Commission Chairman; and
WHEREAS, The owner of the Camper's Barn recreational vehicle outlet on
Route 28, James Bracco came to the area with his wife, Mary, 12 years
ago and joined Ulster Hose Company No. 5; he also serves as Vice Presi-
dent to the Town of Ulster Fire Commission; 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; and
WHEREAS, James Bracco 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
honor James Bracco for 50 years of dedicated service as a volunteer
firefighter in the State of New York, and to wish him continued success
in all of his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James Bracco.