LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Richard Simmons upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 70 years of
dedicated service to Tivoli 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, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Firefighter Richard
Simmons upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 70 years of dedicated service to Tivoli Fire Department, to be
celebrated on Saturday, April 17, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Richard "Deacon" Simmons has been a member of the Tivoli Fire
Department for 70 years; joining at the age of 18, he was an active
member up until the past few years; many years ago, his wife, Betty, was
in charge of the fire phone; and
WHEREAS, Deacon Simmons has probably held every position within the
Tivoli Fire Department except Chief; having three sons who became Chief
of the Department, two of Deacon Simmons's grandchildren have followed
the Tivoli Fire Department tradition in becoming a junior fireman, and
an EMT; 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; Deacon
Simmons is such a firefighter; throughout 70 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 Firefighter Richard Simmons for 70 years of distinguished
service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard "Deacon" Simmons.