LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Herbert Raynor upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 60 years of
dedicated service to the Southampton 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 Herbert
Raynor upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 60 years of dedicated service to the Southampton Fire Department;
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, On July 6, 1948, Herbert "Eggie" Raynor began his career with
the Westhampton Beach Fire Department and served nine years alongside
his father and brothers; on December 5, 1957, he was elected to member-
ship in the Southampton Fire Department's Hook and Ladder Company No. 1;
he rose through the ranks of 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant and Captain;
and
WHEREAS, In April of 1976, Herbert Raynor was elected 2nd Assistant
Chief and later served as 1st Assistant Chief from 1977-1979, and then
Chief from 1979-1982; throughout this time he served as Deputy County
Fire Coordinator for Suffolk County; and
WHEREAS, Herbert Raynor also received the Suffolk County Medal of
Valor and the Southampton Fire Department Medal of Valor for his prompt
action on March 23, 1976, where he gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on
a young toddler removed from a burning building, which contributed to
the successful completion of her rescue; and
WHEREAS, With Herbert Raynor throughout have been his wife, Patsy,
their children, David, Dawn and Denise, all of whom feel privileged to
be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; 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; Herbert
Raynor is such a firefighter; throughout 60 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 Herbert Raynor for 60 years of distinguished
service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Herbert Raynor.