LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending George Rivers as he is honored for 55
years of dedicated service to the Rouses Point 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 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 George Rivers for
his 55 years of distinguished service to the Rouse's Point Fire Depart-
ment as he is honored at the Department's Annual Firefighters Banquet,
to be held at the Rouses Point American Legion on Saturday, May 5, 2012;
and
WHEREAS, George Rivers joined the Rouses Point Fire Department on
August 6, 1956 and began his career in the fire service; he served as
Chief of the Department for 20 years, from April 1972-April 1992; he
also served as Deputy Fire Coordinator from 1970-2005 and now sits on
the Board of Directors of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs;
and
WHEREAS, He has been a role model to many members of the Department
and has shown his dedication in his many unselfish acts and deeds on
behalf of the Department and the residents of the Rouses Point communi-
ty; 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; George
Rivers is such a firefighter; throughout his 55 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 George Rivers for his 55 years of distinguished service to the
Rouses Point Fire Department upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Department at its Annual Firefighters Dinner
on May 5, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to George Rivers.