LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Louis Pelella upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after many years of
distinguished service to the Highland Falls 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Firefighter Louis Pelella upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after many years of dedicated service to the High-
land Falls Fire Department; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated
on Thursday, May 21, 2009, at a ceremony to be held in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Louis Pelella of the Highland Falls Fire Depart-
ment will be 94 years of age on May 21, 2009; he has accumulated 61
years of outstanding service to the Department, and his attendance at
all calls ranks as one of the highest in the Department; and
WHEREAS, Organized in 1922, the Highland Falls Fire Department is the
"Pride of the Highlands"; its purpose is the prevention and protection
of life and property from fire, disaster, or emergency, and the
promotion of friendly relations among its members and the community; 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; Fire-
fighter Louis Pelella is such a firefighter; throughout his many 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 Louis Pelella upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after many years of distinguished service to the
Highland Falls Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Louis Pelella.