LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Past Chief Edwin Venette upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of
dedicated service to the Keeseville Volunteer 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, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Past Chief Edwin
Venette upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Keeseville Volunteer Fire
Department to be celebrated Friday, December 10, 2010; he officially
retired in April of 2010; and
WHEREAS, Edwin Venette joined the Keeseville Volunteer Fire Department
in April of 1960; since then, he held a line officer's position for many
years, including the esteemed title of Chief of the Keeseville Volunteer
Fire Department from 1974 to 1980; and
WHEREAS, Known for being exceptionally progressive, Edwin Venette was
skilled in seeking improvements for the fire department through very
limited financial budgets; and
WHEREAS, One of the first Emergency Medical Technicians for Keese-
ville, Edwin Venette was instrumental in progressing the emergency care
level of the Keeseville Rescue Squad; remaining dedicated to the cause,
he attended numerous training activities throughout his entire career;
and
WHEREAS, Edwin Venette was an excellent instructor for all the new
firefighters' teachings; he was a proud member of the Keeseville Volun-
teer Fire Department's first Rappelling Team as well as the Water Rescue
Team; and
WHEREAS, In addition to serving as a volunteer firefighter, Edwin
Venette played an active role within his community; he was the Chairman
of the Clinton County Fire Advisory Board as well as Deputy Fire Coordi-
nator in the Fire Investigation Unit; 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; Edwin
Venette 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 Past Chief Edwin Venette upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the
Keeseville Volunteer Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Past Chief Edwin Venette.