LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter James E. Tokasz upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of
dedicated service to Doyle Volunteer Hose Company No. 2

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 James
E. Tokasz upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to Doyle Volunteer Hose Company No.
2, to be celebrated on Saturday, August 20, 2011, at Lions Pavilion in
Cheektowaga Town Park, Cheektowaga, New York; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of St. Francis High School and Bryant and Stratton
College, James E. Tokasz joined the Doyle Volunteer Hose Company No. 2
on October 4, 1961; and
WHEREAS, Since joining the department, James E. Tokasz has served in
numerous capacities including Fire Commissioner and Fire District Treas-
urer; and
WHEREAS, James E. Tokasz also held the esteemed positions of Presi-
dent, Vice President, Financial Secretary, Recording Secretary, Board of
Directors, Board of Trustees, and Assistant Fire Chief; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his service as a firefighter, James E. Tokasz
served eight years in the Army Reserves; he was employed at Lucky Urban
Furniture Store, Ortho Lawn Care, Westinghouse, and currently works at
Buffalo Power; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Catherine, his three
children, Jeff, Jay and Jill, and his six grandchildren, all of whom
feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achieve-
ments; 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; James
E. Tokasz is such a firefighter; throughout five decades 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 James E. Tokasz for 50 years of distinguished
service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James E. Tokasz.