LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Ex-Chief John T. Barrett upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of
dedicated service to the Wantagh Fire Department

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Ex-Chief John T. Barrett upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the Wantagh
Fire Department; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Satur-
day, February 12, 2011, at a ceremony to be held in his honor at the
Marriott Hotel in Uniondale, New York; and
WHEREAS, John T. Barrett has devoted over 50 years of distinguished
service to the Wantagh Fire Department, commencing with his appointment
on October 31, 1960, as firefighter number 736; and
WHEREAS, Initially assigned to Engine 696, John T. Barrett transferred
to Engine 693, then to Engine 691, then to Engine 695 and, thereafter,
to Rescue 6916; and
WHEREAS, John T. Barrett held Wantagh Fire Department offices as Lieu-
tenant and Captain, Engine 693; 3rd Assistant Chief; 2nd Assistant Chief
and 1st Assistant Chief; he also served as Chief of the Department from
May 1, 1978 through April 30, 1980; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Ex-Chief John T. Barrett held office as Company
Number 1 Corresponding Secretary, Vice President and President; and
WHEREAS, Currently serving as a delegate for the 6th Battalion Chief's
Association, Ex-Chief John T. Barrett also served as Wantagh Fire
District Commissioner from 1982 through 1987; and
WHEREAS, John Barrett and his wife, Kay, are the proud parents of two
sons, Thomas and Kevin; 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;
Ex-Chief John T. Barrett 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 Ex-Chief John T. Barrett upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the
Wantagh Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ex-Chief John T. Barrett; Wantagh Fire Department, Wantagh,
New York.