LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Richard Bannister upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of
dedicated service to the Montour Falls Fire Department and his community

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
Bannister upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Montour Falls Fire Depart-
ment, Montour Falls, New York; he will be honored at the Department's
Annual Installation Banquet on March 20, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Richard Bannister joined the Montour Falls Fire Department in
September 1959 and continues to be an active and valued member of the
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, 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; Richard
Bannister 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 Richard Bannister for 50 years of distinguished
service to the Montour Falls Fire Department and his community; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard Bannister.