LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter John Bergin upon the occa-
sion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedi-
cated service to the Hicksville Fire Department on April 2, 2011

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 John
Bergin upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Hicksville Fire Department,
to be celebrated at its Annual Inspection and Installation Dinner on
Saturday, April 2, 2011, at Huntington Hilton in Melville, New York; and
WHEREAS, Former Seaman First Class, John Bergin served honorably in
the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict from 1950-1954; he
began his volunteer fire service in 1958, joining his hometown New Hyde
Park Fire Department's Estates Engine Company 3; and
WHEREAS, Honorary Company No. 2 Captain John Bergin, affectionately
known as J.B., moved to Hicksville in 1960, shortly after marrying the
love of his life, Doris; he joined the Hicksville Fire Department's
Independent Engine and Hose Company No. 2 one year later; and
WHEREAS, John Bergin served through many of the ensuing years as a
firefighter responding out of the Briggs Street Station No. 2, and
participated on various company and department committees; he also
served as President of Hicksville's Volunteer & Exempt Fireman's Benevo-
lent Association; and
WHEREAS, John Bergin is a longtime member of the Fireman's Association
of New York of the State of New York and Charter Member of the Hicks-
ville Fire Department Fire Police Squad, as well as the Nassau County
and New York State Fire Police Associations; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man has also been active in the community,
serving as Master of the Hicksville Masonic Lodge in 1993, and as a
regular usher at the Redeemer Lutheran Church of the Open Door; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife, Doris, their
three children, and 13 grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be
a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; 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; John
Bergin 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 John Bergin upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the Hicks-
ville Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter John Bergin.