LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Roger Ebert upon the occa-
sion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedi-
cated service to the North Branch 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 Roger
Ebert upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after
50 years of dedicated service to the North Branch Fire Department, to be
celebrated at the North Branch Fire Department's Annual Recognition and
Awards Dinner; 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, Firefighter Roger Ebert was a member of the North Branch Fire
Department for 14 years as a young man, until he moved to Maine, New
York, where he immediately joined the Maine Fire Department, and served
as a member there for 27 years; upon returning from Maine, Roger joined
the North Branch Fire Department, where he has now served another 10
years; and
WHEREAS, While Roger has not served the North Branch Fire Department
for 50 years, he has served as a volunteer fireman, serving the communi-
ty where he lived, for 51 consecutive years, and thus is being honored
by the North Branch Fire Department; 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; Roger
Ebert 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 Roger Ebert upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the North
Branch Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Roger Ebert.