LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending outgoing Chief Russell Sawyer for his
distinguished service to the Amityville 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, Firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and the
strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic
magnitude; their sacrifices and their selfless dedication merit the
tribute and recognition of all citizens of their community, their State
and the Nation; 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 outgoing Chief
Russell Sawyer for his distinguished service to the Amityville Fire
Department as he is honored at the Department's Annual Awards Ceremony,
to be held at Department Headquarters on April 7, 2012; 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, Russell Sawyer joined Hose Company No. 4 of the Amityville
Fire Department in August 1991; he has served the Department in many
capacities, including 2nd Lieutenant, 1998-2000; 1st Lieutenant,
2000-2002; Captain, 2002-2004; 3rd Assistant Chief, 2004-2006; 2nd
Assistant Chief, 2006-2008; 1st Assistant Chief, 2008-2010; and Chief,
2010-2012; 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; Chief
Russell Sawyer is such a firefighter; throughout more than 20 years of
devoted service, he has 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 outgoing Chief Russell Sawyer for his distinguished service to
the Amityville Fire Department upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Department at its Annual Awards Ceremony on
April 7, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Chief Russell Sawyer.