LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Robert S. Barnes upon the occasion of
his retirement as chief of the Oneonta Fire Department

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those illustrious individuals of distinguished purpose whose
lives have been committed to the pursuit of excellence in their service
to their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor
Robert S. Barnes upon the occasion of his retirement as chief of the
Oneonta Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Robert Barnes is retiring on Friday, December 25, 2009, after
a 36-year career in public safety, including 18 years as fire chief; and
WHEREAS, Earning an associates degree in liberal arts from SUNY
Cobleskill and studying social psychology at SUNY Brockport, Robert
Barnes completed the Executive Fire Officers Program from the National
Emergency Training Center/National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland;
and
WHEREAS, Working as Oneonta's emergency manager, Robert Barnes had
served for several years as Otsego County's emergency services coordina-
tor and has extensive experience and training in emergency management;
this particular experience includes service with the State Emergency
Management Office Incident Management Assistance Team, where he
responded to disasters ranging from a passenger-plane crash in Buffalo
to hurricanes on the Gulf Coast; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Robert Barnes has trained thousands of
people in emergency management and fire service; and
WHEREAS, Robert Barnes is affiliated with many professional organiza-
tions, including the New York State Association of Emergency Managers,
the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, the New York State Fire
Coordinators Association, the Firemen's Association of New York (FASNY),
Otsego County LEPC, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the
Fire Advisory Board, and numerous county fire and EMS associations; and
WHEREAS, A current board member of the Oneonta Salvation Army, Robert
Barnes holds the Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International; a past
troop leader, he is a member of the Otschedela Council, Boy Scouts of
America, and a member of St. James Episcopal Church; and
WHEREAS, With Robert Barnes throughout have been his wife, Maggie,
their three children, Eric, Angela, and David, all of whom feel privi-
leged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, leadership, and commitment as that demonstrated by
Robert Barnes over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; he
is a true asset to society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Robert S. Barnes upon the occasion of his retirement as chief of
the Oneonta Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert S. Barnes.