LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending outgoing Fire Chief Thomas J. Fernan-
dez, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after his dedicated service to the Merrick 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 justly proud to commend outgoing
Fire Chief Thomas J. Fernandez, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after his dedicated service to the Merrick Fire
Department to be celebrated at its 89th Annual Inspection and Installa-
tion Dinner on Saturday, January 19, 2013, at the Long Island Marriott,
Uniondale, New York; 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, A true asset to society, Thomas J. Fernandez, Jr.'s distin-
guished record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this
Legislative Body; 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; Thomas
J. Fernandez, Jr. is such a firefighter; throughout his many 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 outgoing Fire Chief Thomas J. Fernandez, Jr. upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition after many years of dedicated
service to the Merrick Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to outgoing Fire Chief Thomas J. Fernandez, Jr.