LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company
No. 1 upon the occasion of hosting its 128th Annual Installation Dinner
on May 16, 2014, and congratulating this year's honorees

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Atlantic
Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 upon the occasion of hosting its 128th
Annual Installation Dinner in Port Washington, New York on Friday, May
16, 2014, and congratulating this year's honorees, David Biggers,
Jeffrey Morris and Bernard Dunn; and
WHEREAS, Fire departments are an integral part of community protection
services in every locality of our State; the courageous and devoted
firefighters of the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 have valiant-
ly responded to all types of fire emergencies and have won the praise
and respect of the community which they serve; and
WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 in public service and fire
protection is one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year,
for many years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble volunteers left
their homes and went to the aid of their neighbors; and
WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Compa-
ny No. 1 are prepared to risk their lives every day to help save the
lives of others and to protect homes and property from the destruction
caused by fire; and
WHEREAS, David Biggers, a lifelong resident of Port Washington, was
elected to membership in the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company in May of
1989; he worked his way up through the ranks and served as Captain from
2006 to 2007, and once again serves in the esteemed position today; and
WHEREAS, Jeffrey Morris was elected to membership in the Atlantic Hook
and Ladder Company in June of 1989; throughout his tenure he has held
several offices in the Company and served as President from 2006 to
2007; he is currently the Chaplain of the Port Washington Fire Depart-
ment; and
WHEREAS, Bernard Dunn, a lifelong resident of Port Washington and
member of the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company is being honored for his
service to our country; prior to joining the Company, in 1987 he
enlisted with the United States Marine Corps, from which he was honor-
ably discharged in 1991; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 1992, Bernard Dunn joined the National Guard
and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant; during his honorable service he
was deployed for Desert Shield and Desert Storm, assisted with natural
disasters throughout New York State, served at Ground Zero following the
9/11 attacks and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for combat; and
WHEREAS, Bernard Dunn retired from the United States Army National
Guard on December 31, 2013, and was recognized for his outstanding
service with the renowned Meritorious Service Medal on St. Patrick's Day
in New York City; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the skill and devoted service demonstrated by
individual firefighters, the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company No. 1
reflects the history and development of firefighting; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude to
those devoted individuals who recognize that the preservation of life
and property is a sacred responsibility and who make that responsibility
their own by serving as firefighters; 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; the
members of the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 are such fire-
fighters; throughout its many years of devoted service, these volunteers
heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those responsi-
bilities which define the task of fire protection; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
proudly commend the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 upon the
occasion of hosting its 128th Annual Installation Dinner on May 16,
2014, and congratulating this year's honorees; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, Port Washington,
New York, and the aforementioned honorees.