LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Ex-Chief Alan Gassen upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated
service to the North Lindenhurst 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 Ex-Chief Alan
Gassen upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the North Lindenhurst Fire
Department, to be celebrated at its 57th Annual Installation Dinner on
Saturday, April 19, 2014, at the Fox Hollow in Woodbury, New York; and
WHEREAS, Alan Gassen became a member of the North Lindenhurst Fire
Department on June 8, 1964, joining Engine Company No.1; throughout the
years, he has served honorably in a number of positions including Drill
Team Captain, Captain of Company No. 1, and 1st and 2nd Deputy Chief,
among many others; in addition, he has been an Elected Trustee for many
years; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to helping his community, Ex-Chief Alan Gassen has
been active in such causes as adopting advanced life support procedures
for the Suffolk County Rescue Squad, and creating and advising a junior
fire department, as well as starting a fire prevention program; further-
more, he formed the Piston Knockers Racing Team with fellow Ex-Chief Roy
R. Fries; and
WHEREAS, A recipient of numerous honors and accolades for his
outstanding service, Ex-Chief Alan Gassen has received the Firefighter
of the Year Award and the American Legion's Service to the Community
Award; he has also been recognized for his heroic actions in helping
save the lives of two people; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Donna, and their
three children, 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;
Ex-Chief Alan Gassen is such a firefighter; throughout his 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 Ex-Chief Alan Gassen upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the North
Lindenhurst Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ex-Chief Alan Gassen.