LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Albert Perri upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of
dedicated service to the Washingtonville Fire District

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery
every day in the course of their duties; and
WHEREAS, Firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and the
strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic
magnitude; their sacrifices and their selfless dedication merit tribute
and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Firefighter
Albert Perri upon the occasion of his designation for special recogni-
tion after 50 years of dedicated service to the Washingtonville Fire
District; and
WHEREAS, The first regular meeting of the Washingtonville Fire Depart-
ment was held on December 8, 1892; the young Company began to purchase
much needed equipment and soon realized they had grown out of their
current quarters; and
WHEREAS, Ambrose Monell, a pillar of the community, and a Colonel in
the United States Aviation Corps, was instrumental in the completion of
a new building; in recognition of his commitment and generosity, the
members of the Department voted unanimously to name the company Monell
Engine Company; and
WHEREAS, In 1989, the Monell Engine Company ceased being under the
control of the Village Board, thereby forming the Washingtonville Fire
District; today, Firefighter Albert Perri serves as a testament to the
rich heritage of the Department, now 90 members strong, and the extraor-
dinary service it has rendered to the community for the past 116 years;
and
WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State are renowned throughout
the Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the ardu-
ous 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, 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; Albert
Perri 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
commend Firefighter Albert Perri for 50 years of distinguished service
to the Washingtonville Fire District; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Albert Perri.