LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Paul R. Oehmler, distin-
guished citizen and leader in local and statewide firefighter organiza-
tions

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Paul R. Oehmler of Williamsville, New York, died on Saturday,
December 5, 2009, at the age of 54; and
WHEREAS, Born on January 1, 1955, in Rochester, New York, Paul R.
Oehmler attended Williamsville South High School and Erie Community
College; and
WHEREAS, Paul R. Oehmler distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, He was an owner and president of Air Tool Repair, a family-
run Cheektowaga company that began in 1987; and
WHEREAS, At the time of his death, Paul R. Oehmler was serving as
President of the Hutchinson Hose Company; and
WHEREAS, His late father, Robert, served as president of Hutchinson
Hose in 1969 and 1970, and his mother, Ethel, is a past president of the
Hutchinson Hose Ladies Auxiliary; and
WHEREAS, Paul R. Oehmler joined the fire company in 1972; he was twice
previously elected president, in 1977 and 1978, and was also chairman of
the board of the Williamsville Exempt Firemen's Association; and
WHEREAS, On September 9, 1978, the Oehmler family teamed up to rescue
two neighbors when fire broke out at their home; after the woman who
lived there jumped from a 10-foot roof, Paul, his father, and his broth-
er, Jack, raised a ladder to rescue her 60-year-old disabled husband;
and
WHEREAS, Paul R. Oehmler held many positions with fire service organ-
izations outside Williamsville, including the Erie County Volunteer
Firemen's Association, the Western New York Volunteer Firemen's Associ-
ation and the Firemen's Association of the State of New York; in addi-
tion, he was chairman of the FASNY Emergency Medical Services Committee
for 14 years; and
WHEREAS, He further served as chairman for the Erie County committee
that organized three state conventions, and was a director of FASNY for
eight years and planned to run for vice president in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Paul R. Oehmler's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, He was instrumental in the planning and construction of the
company's fire hall on Main Street in 1987, as well as its substations
on Sheridan Drive, organized dozens of installation banquets and
fundraising events, and was chairman of the Williamsville Exempts' 200
Club; and
WHEREAS, Paul R. Oehmler is survived by his wife, the former Ann
Horey; two daughters, Tammy and Robin; his mother, Ethel; two brothers,
Tim E. and Jack E.; and three grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Paul R. Oehmler leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Paul R. Oehmler, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Paul R. Oehmler.