LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Albert Barber upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition for 50 years of
dedicated service to the Walton 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 Firefighter Albert
Barber upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Walton Fire Department of
Walton, New York; he will be honored by the Department at its March 7,
2012 meeting; and
WHEREAS, Albert Barber joined the Walton Fire Department on February
10, 1962; he served as Fire Chief from 1980-1982 and in various other
officer positions throughout the years including Captain of Fancher Hook
and Ladder from 1967-1969; and
WHEREAS, When the Walton Joint Fire District was formed in 1989,
Albert Barber served as the first Head Fire Commissioner and went on to
serve two five year terms as the Head Commissioner; and
WHEREAS, Albert Barber worked for Agway in Walton for 38 years before
retiring; he continues to be a very active member of the Walton Fire
Department, rarely missing a meeting, drill, fundraiser or emergency
call; and
WHEREAS, With Albert Barber throughout have been his wife of 55 years,
Marion; they are the proud and loving parents of four daughters: Rose
Tennant, Diane Barber, Jane Sulger and Virginia Velardi and have two
grandsons, four granddaughters, and two great-granddaughters; 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; Albert
Barber 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 Albert Barber for 50 years of distinguished service
to the Walton Fire Department and his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Albert Barber.